Follow UsAhead of the five-match Test series against England, India’s best batter of this generation, Virat Kohli, announced his sudden retirement from the format. It left a huge void in the Indian batting unit, as India were forced to hand out a Test debut to Sai Sudharsan, who didn’t have the best of outings in England, scoring just 140 runs, averaging 23.33.
Not just that, whenever India found themselves in a losing position, the atmosphere on the field was relatively flat. Chasing 374, England were in a cruising position during the 195-run partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root at the Oval.
The Indian fielders were quiet during that partnership, which led to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor stating that India missed Virat Kohli the most at The Oval.
"I’ve been missing @imVkohli few times during this series, but never as much as in this Test match,” Tharoor tweeted.
The Congress MP also pleaded with Kohli to reconsider this Test retirement, to make a comeback in the longest format.
“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 if retirement? Virat, the nation needs you! #INDvsENG"
India are currently trailing in the series 2-1, needing a miracle to tie the series at 2-2 at The Oval.