Former England spinner Monty Panesar predicts that Virat Kohli was given an ultimatum by the selectors, which led to his retirement.
Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket last month, ending his legendary career ahead of India’s tour of England. His retirement sparked much speculation within the BCCI, which first asked him to reconsider, and later, it was said that selectors pressured Kohli with an ultimatum ahead of the tour, ultimately leading to his decision.
Monty Panesar Predicts Pressure Behind Kohli’s Test Retirement
Panesar shared his views on the former Indian captain's retirement, saying that Kohli’s poor form, his weakness against the outside half ball, and the selectors’ ultimatum, which reportedly gave him only two matches to perform or risk being dropped, contributed to his decision to retire.
“I think he was going to play. I think England were expecting, everyone was expecting him to play. I'm surprised he's kind of like bailed out. But maybe the fact that outside off-stump, he's just thinking, well, you know, they may have had a word with him. They said, Look, if you don't score well in the first couple of Test matches, don't expect to play all five. So, he's probably thinking, well, I'll just call it a day and give the youngsters a go,” Panesar told Hindustan Times.
Also Read: Monty Panesar Backs BCCI’s Decision, Says Shreyas Iyer’s Technique Not Built for England
Shubman Gill and Karun Nair Key to India’s Test Success, Says Panesar
He also added that India has a chance to win if middle-order batters Shubman Gill and Karun Nair deliver.
“It will depend on how Karun Nair performs. he scored a double century against the England Lions. He and Shubman Gill form the middle order, and if these batters, especially those who’ve played county cricket, can transfer that form to the international stage, India have a good chance of winning,” Panesar said.
Karun Nair, who boosted his chances with that double century against England Lions, will be looking to carry that form throughout the five-match Test series.
The new-look Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, faces its biggest challenge as it begins the WTC cycle for 2025-27. The results from this tough series will play a crucial role in determining India’s progress in the coming years.
