• Source:JND
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Virat Kohli News: With four wickets required for India to win the Oval Test and 35 runs needed for England to win the series 3-1, everything will boil down to how England fare on the final day of the fifth Test at London's Oval. The hosts are currently 2-1 up in the series against the Shubman Gill-led Indian Cricket Team.

Indian politician from Kerala, Shashi Tharoor, who often gives his two cents about the game, acknowledged that India has played some gritty Test cricket over the past few weeks in England — as exemplified by Rishabh Pant batting with a fractured toe when India needed him to bat in the last match, however, couldn't resist missing former captain Virat Kohli.

“I’ve been missing Virat Kohli a few times during this series, but never as much as in this Test match. His grit and intensity, his inspirational presence in the field, not to mention his abundant batting skills, might have led to a different outcome. Is it too late to call him out of retirement? Virat, the nation needs you!” Tharoor wrote on X.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 5th Test Day 5 Match Report

Kohli Retired From Tests In May 2025 After 14 Years

Notably, Kohli announced his retirement from the red-ball format in May this year. A career span of 14 years, lasting 123 tests, Kohli made his debut in Kingston against West Indies in 2011.

“It’s been 14 years since I first wore the baggy blue in Test cricket. Honestly, I never imagined the journey this format would take me on. It’s tested me, shaped me, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for life,” Kohli wrote on his Instagram handle.

Also Read: Ollie Pope's vice-captaincy as risk?

“There’s something deeply personal about playing in whites. The quiet grind, the long days, the small moments that no one sees but that stay with you forever. As I step away from this format, it’s not easy — but it feels right. I’ve given it everything I had, and it’s given me back so much more than I could’ve hoped for. I’m walking away with a heart full of gratitude — for the game, for the people I shared the field with, and for every single person who made me feel seen along the way. I’ll always look back at my Test career with a smile,” Kohli had added.

Kohli concluded his post with “#269, signing off”.

For the unversed, 269 is the number of Kohli's cap.