The sudden retirement of Virat Kohli from Test cricket in May 2025 sent shockwaves through the cricketing world. Just days after Rohit Sharma's similar announcement, Kohli's departure marked the end of an era for Indian cricket. Now, with India facing a tough series against England, veteran politician and cricket enthusiast Shashi Tharoor has publicly wondered if it's too late to call Kohli back from retirement.

Kohli, at 36, retired after a stellar Test career, amassing 9,230 runs in 123 matches with 30 centuries. He cited the rigors of the format and a change in priorities as reasons for his decision. While he mentioned that it wasn't an easy decision, it felt right for him. He is expected to continue playing One Day Internationals. Kohli's last Test series was in Australia, where he had a tough run.

Shashi Tharoor has voiced his disappointment and questioned the timing of Kohli's retirement. Tharoor expressed sadness that Kohli didn't get a farewell Test at home and wondered if the 36-year-old had retired too soon, especially when the Indian team still "needed him". According to reports, Kohli had already informed the BCCI of his plans, and efforts were made to convince him to continue, especially for the England tour.

Tharoor's recent plea comes amidst the ongoing five-match Test series between India and England. India is playing under the captaincy of Shubman Gill after the retirements of Kohli and Sharma. Tharoor admitted to missing Kohli's presence, particularly his "grit and intensity," and suggested that his batting skills and inspirational presence could have led to a different outcome in the series.

The series has been closely contested. England won the first test by 22 runs. Shubman Gill captained India for the first time in this test. England won the toss and elected to bat. The second test was won by India by 336 runs. Shubman Gill scored his maiden double century in Tests in the second test. England won the toss and elected to field in the second test. England is giving India a tough competition. The absence of experienced players like Kohli is being felt.

Former England opener Nick Compton suggested that a potential disconnect between Kohli's playing style and the current Indian team setup might have influenced his decision to retire. Compton noted that new leadership often desires complete control, which might not have suited someone like Kohli. He also felt that the management could have better supported Kohli by managing his workload and providing more rest.

Despite Kohli's retirement from Test cricket, he remains a prominent figure in the cricketing world. He is set to participate in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025.

Whether Kohli will reconsider his retirement remains to be seen. The BCCI has not yet responded to Tharoor's request. For now, Indian fans can only wonder what might have been if Kohli were still leading the charge in the Test arena.