The Transition Crisis: Analyzing Allegations that Virat Kohli Was Pushed Out of Test Cricket

Advertisment

A major controversy is making headlines in the world of cricket today as it surfaced that Virat Kohli, who is India's one of the most successful Test captains, did not leave the game entirely on his own terms.

Though Kohli officially retired in May 2025, former player Manoj Tiwary says an “uncomfortable atmosphere” was created behind the scenes, which allegedly forced Kohli to step down to avoid being dropped by selectors.

Tiwary said, “He was forced. An atmosphere was created as such that he had to say goodbye to Test cricket. Everyone knows what happened behind the scenes. After knowing everything, how can you say that he left the hardest format and is playing the easiest one for his own runs?”

Advertisment

The Behind-the-Scenes Pressure on a Modern Legend

The story behind Kohli’s exit is very different from what fans were told. Kohli scored over 9,000 runs and led India to many memorable wins, but the insiders now say the team management made things difficult for him. It is also reported that coaches and selectors hinted he would be removed during the England tour if he didn't score runs immediately.

Kohli chose to quit before he could be fired. Other senior players like Rohit Sharma also retired around the same time. Even though Kohli was not scoring as many runs as before, he was still the fittest player in the team. Many fans feel he was treated unfairly after years of service.

Why Did the BCCI Prioritize a Total Reset Over a Gradual Transition?

The BCCI’s long-term strategy to replace all senior players at once has caused huge problems. The board wanted to start fresh with younger players like Shubman Gill. However, this total reset has not worked well so far; India has lost several home matches that they usually win easily.

Advertisment

This change has also hurt the business side of cricket. Without Kohli in Test matches, fewer people are buying tickets or watching on TV. Local businesses and sponsors are losing money as Kohli is absent from the five-day game. Six months later, the team looks lost without its old leader. The management may have replaced his spot in the lineup, but they could not replace his passion and experience.

Overall, the Indian team is now entering a difficult season without its most experienced leaders. As a result, it is important for the management to prove that forcing Kohli out was the right move. If the team keeps losing, fans will likely blame the board for destroying a winning culture too quickly.