'Virat Kohli didn't like team atmosphere...'- Former KKR star drops bombshell on Kohli's Test retirement

Virat Kohli, the Indian captain, posted an Instagram post to announce his Test retirement, which came as a shock to his teammates and the fans just before the start of the five-match Test series in England. Many felt that the Delhi-born could have easily played for another two years in the longest format, especially the entire WTC 2025-27 cycle.

The former Indian batter, Manoj Tiwary, during a recent interaction, has claimed that Kohli felt insecure in the team environment, which pushed him to make the decision. Tiwary also feels that Kohli, being a spiritual person in recent years, won’t reveal the reason for his retirement in public.

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“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. I think he will not come out and ever say this thing in a 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.” Tiwary told Crictracker.

Manoj Tiwary blames India’s team environment for Virat Kohli’s Test retirement

Kohli hung up his shoes as the fourth leading run-getter in Tests for India. The right-handed batter smashed 9230 runs in 210 innings at an average of 46.85, scoring 30 centuries and 31 half-centuries at the best score of unbeaten 254 runs against South Africa in Pune. His last red-ball century came in Perth during the BGT 2024-25.

“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 Kolkata Knight Riders’ batter commented.

“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 was that he was so physically fit and he was preparing himself for the England series.” Manoj Tiwary concluded in the interaction.