Former England spinner Monty Panesar has stirred fresh debate with his bold claim that Virat Kohli opted out of India’s five-Test tour of England, fearing he could be dropped mid-series. Panesar believes the legendary batter chose to retire from the format before selectors forced his hand, hinting that Kohli may have sensed diminishing confidence from the team management ahead of the high-stakes tour.

“I was genuinely shocked,” Monty Panesar told Hindustan Times. “Everyone expected Kohli to play in England. But maybe the selectors told him that if he didn’t fire in the first couple of games, he may not feature in all five. So perhaps Kohli thought, ‘Why wait to be dropped when I can walk out on my own terms?’”

Kohli officially announced his retirement from Test cricket in May, but according to chief selector Ajit Agarkar, the decision was conveyed to the selection committee a month earlier in April. In a heartfelt social media post, Kohli stated that while the decision was incredibly difficult, it felt like the right time, having given his all to red-ball cricket since his debut in 2011.

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Interestingly, the announcement caught many by surprise. Delhi coach and former India selector Sarandeep Singh, who has worked closely with Kohli, revealed the star batter had been preparing intensely for the England series and showed no signs of calling it quits.

Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away has ushered in a new era. Sai Sudharsan has earned a maiden Test call-up, Karun Nair returns after eight years, and Shubman Gill has been named captain.

Monty Panesar also weighed in on Shreyas Iyer’s omission, stating that Iyer’s technique may not be ideal for England’s seaming conditions. “He’s good on flat and bouncy tracks, but in swinging conditions, I think the selectors felt others were better suited,” he explained.

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India’s middle order, Panesar believes, holds the key. “Karun Nair’s double hundred against the England Lions is a confidence booster. If he and Gill—who also has county experience—can carry their form into the Tests, India have a real shot.” He concluded by saying, “It all depends on how the middle order performs. If they click, especially those familiar with English conditions, India could pull off something special in this series.”