Virat Kohli Felt ‘Unwanted’, Quit Tests Over ‘Self-Respect’; Manoj Tiwary Warns Rohit Sharma Could Be Next

New Delhi: Former India batter Manoj Tiwary has made explosive claims regarding Virat Kohli’s sudden retirement from Test cricket, alleging that the former captain stepped away not out of fatigue or planning, but due to feeling “unwanted” and “disrespected” within the Indian cricket setup.

Kohli, 36, stunned fans and experts alike when he announced his retirement from Test cricket on May 12, 2025, bringing an end to one of the most successful red-ball careers in Indian history. However, the reason behind his decision had remained unclear — until now.

🏏 Tiwary’s Allegations: ‘Kohli Chose Self-Respect Over Continuation’

Speaking to CricTracker, Tiwary suggested that internal politics and a lack of communication from the BCCI led to Kohli’s departure.

“Why would Virat have left Test cricket? He had already started preparing mentally for the upcoming England series. But the environment around him made him feel unwanted. When a player, no matter how big he is, starts feeling that he’s not needed or respected, a player with self-respect and dignity will never continue,” Tiwary said.

He claimed that Kohli’s decision was not based on frustration but on principle and dignity, pointing to how top players react when their contribution is undervalued.

🧢 Rohit Sharma’s Future Under the Scanner

Tiwary also hinted that Rohit Sharma, who was recently replaced by Shubman Gill as India’s ODI captain, might face a similar fate if not treated with respect by the board.

The 38-year-old Rohit, who led India to two ICC titles within nine months — including the Champions Trophy win against New Zealand — was reportedly surprised by the timing of the leadership change.

“If things continue the same way, I honestly think there’s a possibility that Rohit might also take that step in the future. Not because he wants to, but because no great player should be made to stay where he feels disrespected,” Tiwary warned.

🏆 Indian Cricket in Transition

Indian cricket currently appears to be in a transitional phase.

• Shubman Gill, after leading India to a 2–2 draw in the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy against England, has been identified as the next-generation leader.
• The BCCI has appointed him as vice-captain of the T20I team and later as ODI captain, signaling a long-term vision for the future.

However, these decisions have raised questions about how the BCCI is managing its senior players, especially stalwarts like Kohli and Rohit — both of whom have been instrumental in India’s dominance over the past decade.

🇮🇳 What Lies Ahead

Both Kohli and Rohit are expected to make their comeback during India’s upcoming limited-overs series in Australia, which includes three ODIs and five T20Is.

There are whispers that one or both players could announce another major career decision after the series, though no official confirmation has been made.

As Tiwary concluded, “No matter how big the player, respect is non-negotiable. When that’s gone, self-respect takes over.”