As India faced a looming defeat against England on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test at The Oval, Indian politician Shashi Tharoor took to social media with a heartfelt message that resonated with fans across the country. With England closing in on their mammoth target of 374 runs, Tharoor voiced what many were feeling, the glaring absence of Virat Kohli in the high-stakes finale.
In a X post that quickly went viral, Tharoor wrote, “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!”
The post was widely shared and stirred a wave of emotional responses, with many fans echoing Tharoor’s sentiments. Many agreed that Kohli's absence has left a void, not only in India’s batting lineup but in the team’s overall intensity and on-field leadership.
Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, was known for his fierce competitiveness, unmatched energy in the field, and ability to anchor innings under pressure. His absence was especially felt during England’s spirited chase, where India struggled to contain the middle-order partnership and lacked the kind of fiery presence that Kohli often brought during crunch moments.
As England inched closer to a series win and the prestigious Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, Tharoor’s tweet served as both a tribute to Kohli’s legacy and a stark reminder of what India has been missing in this new era of transition.
'Let Me See A Reverse Sweep': Yashasvi Jaiswal's Cheeky Jibe At Ben Duckett Goes Viral During IND Vs ENG 5th Test; Video
Tensions and banter ran high on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval, as young Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal made headlines, not with the bat this time, but with his words. The fiery left-hander, fielding close in, took a playful dig at England batter Ben Duckett during a tense phase of England’s fourth-innings chase.
As Duckett was assessing the pitch, Jaiswal, in a cheeky attempt to rattle the batter, was heard shouting, “Let me see a reverse sweep here. Come on lads!” The line, delivered with a smirk, was a jab at Duckett’s well-known love for the reverse sweep.
This moment added another layer of theatre to a gripping Test match and showcased how modern cricket blends intense competition with spirited interaction. Whether it got under Duckett’s skin or not, Jaiswal’s quip will likely be remembered as one of the standout snippets from a memorable series finale at The Oval.
