Virat Kohli retired from Test to avoid getting dropped from playing XI: Former England star

Team India star batsman Virat Kohli's sudden retirement from Test cricket stunned several fans and experts. 

Speculations were rife that Kohli was forced to announce his retirement from the longest format of the game as he was miffed with BCCI. Some experts are of the opinion that Kohli wanted to return as the captain of the Test team. Though BCCI had promised Kohli about it, the words were not kept. As a result, Kohli announced his retirement from the Tests.

However, former England spinner Monty Panesar has predicted that Kohli may have been under pressure from the team management, leading to his decision to retire and pull out of the series.

Must Read: Ind vs Eng Test series: Former England star bats for this Indian batter as India's key to success

"I genuinely thought he was going to play. Everyone, including England, was expecting him to be part of the series. I’m surprised that he has pulled out. But perhaps the issue is that with his struggles outside off-stump, the team management might have had a conversation with him. They could have said, ‘If you don’t perform well in the first few Tests, you may not feature in all five matches.’ So, he may have decided to step aside and let the younger players have their opportunity," said Panesar.

Notably, India are set to face England in a five-match Test series that begins on June 20. It will also mark as the start of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.