The unexpected announcement of Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket in May has stirred speculation and intrigue.
While many assumed dwindling form or the lure of limited-overs formats prompted his exit, former India cricketer Manoj Tiwary has now made a startling claim: Kohli may have walked away because he simply didn’t feel wanted.
Tiwary’s Candid Revelation
“So he could have easily played for another three years minimum… it was very surprising and shocking for all the cricket fans,” Tiwary remarked, noting Kohli’s fitness and readiness for the England series”
He added,
“I think he was not feeling like he was wanted in Team India. Only he can say. I think he will not come out and ever say this thing in public forum because… he has evolved as a human being… he is becoming spiritual… they don’t want to talk about the past”
Shocking Speed of Retirement Announcement
The manner in which Kohli’s retirement unfolded only deepens the mystery. Just two days after Rohit Sharma’s similar announcement, Kohli informed the BCCI of his intent and made it official via Instagram within 48 hours. That abrupt timeline surprised fans and experts alike.
Further fueling questions, Delhi Ranji coach Sarandeep Singh revealed that Kohli had detailed plans to prepare for England—talking of “playing two India A matches” and aiming for multiple centuries—mere weeks before calling it quits.
Insights from Cricketing Voices
Former England captain Nasser Hussain provided a different but complementary perspective. Speaking to Sky Sports Cricket, he emphasized Kohli’s unwillingness to settle for mediocrity:
“He can’t ever go, ‘I’ll just do my best today.’ It was not acceptable to him to be a ‘normal cricketer’”
So while some believe external factors played a role, others highlight Kohli’s fierce self-demand and perfectionism as key reasons behind his decision.
Form & Frustration Factor
Kohli’s recent performance slump added another layer to the narrative. During the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, he managed only 190 runs in nine innings, despite a century in one Test. After that series, he admitted:
“For me, it’s just about the acceptance… Where do I want to go? What are my energy levels like?”
Between fitness, fierce ambition, internal dynamics, and abrupt timing, Kohli’s retirement remains shrouded in ambiguity. As Tiwary cautioned, “the mystery will remain unsolved,” especially as Kohli appears unlikely to elaborate publicly
Virat Kohli’s departure from Test cricket represents more than just a loss of runs or leadership—it marks the end of an era defined by passion, intensity, and sheer excellence.
Whether his exit stems from disillusionment, self-awareness, external pressure, or a combination of these, the cricketing world mourns the void left by one of its most spectacular modern-era performers.
