Virat Kohli given Joe Root's example, Test call up made again after England tour

Congress MP and public figure Shashi Tharoor has reignited the debate around ace Indian batter Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket and drew a comparison with England batter Joe Root. Tharoor’s remarks came after India's 2-2 series draw against England in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.

Team India made a remarkable comeback in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy with a thrilling six-run win at The Oval to draw the series 2-2. After trailing 1-2, they secured a draw in Manchester before sealing the victory in London. Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj picked up a five-wicket haul in the final innings.

Virat Kohli Languishes in Premature Retirement - Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor expressed disappointment over Virat Kohli's absence from the recent Test series. He drew a comparison with Joe Root and questioned Kohli’s premature retirement. His comments reignited discussions about Kohli and strengthened calls for his return to Test cricket.

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“I was just admiring Joe @root66’s consistent excellence as England’s hardy perennial at age 35, while @imVkohli, just two years older, languishes in premature retirement,” Tharoor posted on social media, in reply to a debate on Kohli’s potential return.

The visiting side set a target of 374 in the fourth innings. England seemed to be in control after centuries from Joe Root and Harry Brook. However, India dismissed the hosts for 367. The remarkable effort earned them widespread admiration and renewed respect in the global cricketing community.

Also Read: "Don't play for India....": Joe Root breaks silence on ugly fight with Prasidh Krishna

Virat Kohli Bid Farewell to Test Cricket Before England Tour

Virat Kohli ended his illustrious Test career in May 2025. He finished as India’s fourth-leading run-getter in the format. Kohli scored 9,230 runs in 123 matches at an average of 46.85, including 30 centuries. The right-handed batter retired just 770 runs short of the 10,000 mark.

Kohli is also India's most successful Test captain, leading the team to 40 wins in 68 matches, including their historic first series victory in Australia in 2018-19.

However, the 36-year-old experienced a dip in form during the 2024-25 season. He had an average of just 22.47 across 10 Tests during India’s series defeats to New Zealand and Australia.

The star batter’s decision to retire came shortly after Rohit Sharma stepped away from the format. Shubman Gill replaced Rohit as India's Test captain for the England tour.

Joe Root Finished as the Second-Highest Run-Scorer in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

Joe Root had impressive outings in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer with 537 runs at an average of 67.12. He notched up three centuries and a fifty.

After a quiet start to the series, Root found his rhythm in the latter half, scoring hundreds in each of the last three Tests.

The 34-year-old became only the second player to register more than 15 centuries against India across all formats. He also climbed to second place on the list of all-time leading Test run-scorers. Root showed consistency and made a significant impact throughout the series.

Also Read: Joe Root declares Mohammed Siraj 'FAKE' despite unreal Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy heroics