Manoj Tiwary: Virat Kohli probably felt unwanted in India's Test team

Kohli announced his retirement in May 2025, just days before India's five-match Test series against England, leaving fans stunned by the timing.

The decision was particularly surprising given Kohli's long-stated ambition to play in England. In preparation, he had featured in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season, working hard to rediscover his form ahead of the high-profile series. For many supporters, his sudden exit came as a shocking revelation, given his enduring stature in the game.

Tiwary believes the abrupt call was not about form or fitness but about how Kohli may have been made to feel within the Test squad.

"I don't know what happened. What is the story behind the scenes? I think he was not feeling like he was wanted in Team India. Only he can say," he told Crictracker.

"I think he will not come out and ever say this thing in public forum because the human he has become, he has evolved as a human being. I think he is very happy with what God has given to him.

"He is becoming spiritual as well. When someone becomes spiritual, they just leave all these things aside and focus on the present.

"They don't want to talk about the past. He has evolved as a human being; I don't think he will come forward and ever say what has happened behind the scenes."

The former batter further emphasised that Kohli still had three to four years left at the highest level, making the announcement even more unexpected.

"He could have easily played for another three years minimum and four years. It was very surprising and shocking for all the cricket fans, including me as well, because all we knew that he's so physically fit and he was preparing himself for the England series," he added.

"But as a cricket lover, things that are happening around Team India, the cricketers like us who know a little bit, we all know what's happening behind the scenes. I think he did not like the atmosphere he was playing in."