With England requiring just 35 runs and only four wickets in hand as the rain-affected Fifth Test enters its final day, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor remarked that while he had missed Virat Kohli throughout the series, he had never felt his absence more than in this match. He even wondered, “Is it too late to call him out of retirement?” Netizens have advised him to “move on” from Kohli.

India had England reeling at 106/3 while defending a target of 374, but the match slipped from their grasp after a resilient, counter-attacking partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook, both of whom notched centuries. As the game heads into a tense final day, with England needing 35 more runs and only three or four wickets in hand, depending on Chris Woakes’ fitness, India stand at a crossroads: they could either finish the series with dignity despite the defeat, or suffer a 1-3 loss that would cast doubt over Shubman Gill’s leadership and Gautam Gambhir’s early days as head coach.

Ahead of the England series, Virat had announced his retirement from Test cricket back in May, putting an end to what was a memorable 14-year career. Virat by far, was India’s most successful captain in England, winning three matches here, most by any Indian captain, losing five and drawing one.

Tharoor took to X and said, “I’ve been missing @imVkohli 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 if retirement? Virat, the nation needs you! #INDvsENG.”

Netizens react

One of the users said, “Absolutely agree, Sir. Virat’s experience and leadership presence are irreplaceable assets that go beyond just batting statistics. His ability to galvanize the team during challenging moments and instill belief in crucial situations is what separates great players from legends. Experience matters tremendously in Test cricket’s mental battles.” Another remarked, “Everyone who followed Test cricket during the Virat Kohli era knows how important his captaincy was to the success of the Indian Test team, but the lockdown kids think otherwise.” 

“He made Indian test team inevitable under his leadership. History will always be kinder to him”, “With due respect sir, we have to move on from Virat Kohli, and boost the morale of the new Captain Shubman Gill. Area of improvement are better team Selection and Removal of Head Coach asap” were some other comments made.

At 36, Kohli concluded his Test career with an impressive record: 123 matches, 9,230 runs at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries and 31 fifties across 210 innings. His highest score, an unbeaten 254, remains one of his finest knocks. Kohli stands as India’s fourth-highest run-scorer in Test cricket, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar (15,921), Rahul Dravid (13,265), and Sunil Gavaskar (10,122).

Kohli enjoyed a golden phase between 2016 and 2019 arguably one of the finest peaks in modern Test history. In that period, he amassed 4,208 runs in 43 Tests at a stellar average of 66.79, registering 16 centuries and 10 fifties in 69 innings. He also scored seven double centuries during this stretch, the most by any Test captain.

However, the 2020s proved less fruitful. From 2020 onward, Kohli scored just 2,028 runs in 39 Tests at a modest average of 30.72, managing only three centuries and nine fifties across 69 innings. A strong 2023 helped boost those numbers slightly, as he recorded 671 runs in eight matches at an average of 55.91, including two centuries and two fifties in 12 innings.

As a leader, Kohli left a lasting legacy. With 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws, he is India’s most successful Test captain. His tenure included landmark victories in South Africa, England, and Australia, highlighted by India’s first-ever Test series win in Australia in 2019. Across SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), Kohli led India to seven Test victories, the most by any Indian skipper.

Turning to the ongoing Test match: at lunch on day four, England reached 164/3 in their chase of 374, needing 210 more to win. Harry Brook (38*) and Joe Root (23*) remained unbeaten. Earlier, after electing to bowl first, England had India in trouble at 153/6. A 58-run stand between Karun Nair (57 off 109 balls, eight fours) and Washington Sundar (26 off 55 balls, three fours) provided some resistance, but India were eventually bowled out for 224. England’s bowling was led by Gus Atkinson, who claimed a five-wicket haul, while Josh Tongue supported well with figures of 3/57.

In England’s first innings, despite a brisk 92-run opening stand between Zak Crawley (64 off 57 balls, 14 fours) and Ben Duckett (43 off 38 balls, five fours and two sixes), they were bowled out for 247. Mohammed Siraj (4/83) and Prasidh Krishna (4/62) led the charge with the ball, helping India secure a slender 23-run lead.

India’s second innings saw crucial performances across the batting lineup. Yashasvi Jaiswal anchored the innings with a composed 118 off 164 balls (14 fours, two sixes), while Akash Deep impressed with a counter-attacking 66 off 94 deliveries (12 fours). Ravindra Jadeja (53 off 77, five fours) and Washington Sundar (53 off just 46 balls, four fours and four sixes) added valuable runs down the order, helping India post 396. This gave them a commanding 373-run lead and left England needing 374 to win the Test and the series.

By the close of play on day four, England had reached 339/6, needing just 35 more runs. Jamie Overton (0*) and Jamie Smith (2*) were at the crease, with doubts lingering over Chris Woakes’ availability due to a shoulder injury. Late wickets from Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna, along with a fiery closing spell from Mohammed Siraj, have kept India’s hopes alive, setting the stage for a gripping final day as the hosts look to make England fight for every left run.