Ex-Spinner Accuses Virat Kohli Of ‘Bailing Out’ Of England Tour Due To Fear
Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has sparked a major debate by suggesting that Virat Kohli backed out of India’s upcoming five-Test tour of England due to fear of underperformance and being dropped mid-series. In a bold statement on Sunday, Panesar said Kohli possibly “bailed out” because he feared scrutiny and pressure around his form, especially outside the off-stump.
According to Panesar, Kohli’s decision wasn’t entirely based on emotional closure or timing. Instead, the ex-spinner believes there was an element of strategic retreat.
“I think he was definitely going to play,” Panesar told Hindustan Times. “England were expecting it, everyone was expecting it. I’m surprised he kind of bailed out. Maybe the selectors told him, ‘If you don’t score in the first couple of Tests, don’t expect to play all five.’ So he probably thought, ‘I’ll just call it a day and let the youngsters take over.’”
Kohli’s Retirement from Tests
The former India captain announced his Test retirement in May, weeks after reportedly informing chief selector Ajit Agarkar in April. In his official statement, Kohli said stepping away from the longest format was not an easy choice but the right one, as he had “given everything” to red-ball cricket since his debut in 2011.
“It’s been a long journey full of hard work, grit, and unforgettable moments. But the time feels right,” Kohli had written in his emotional post.
Yet, the timing of his decision has raised eyebrows. Close observers like Delhi coach Sarandeep Singh said Kohli had been preparing for the England series and showed no signs of stepping away, indicating that even those close to him were caught off guard.
India’s New-Look Test Squad
Kohli’s retirement, along with Rohit Sharma’s decision to step aside from Test cricket, has paved the way for new faces in India’s red-ball setup. Promising players like Sai Sudharsan have received their maiden Test call-up, while Karun Nair returns to the national fold after an eight-year absence. The leadership baton has also passed to Shubman Gill, who now shoulders the responsibility of captaining the Test side in a tough English summer.
Can India Still Win the England Series?
Despite Kohli and Rohit’s absence, Panesar believes India still have a good shot at clinching the series—provided their middle-order performs.
“It will depend on how Karun Nair performs; he recently scored a double hundred against the England Lions. Also, Shubman Gill and others in the middle-order need to step up,” Panesar said.
“If those who’ve played county cricket can transform that same form at the international level, then I think India have a real chance to win this series.”
What Lies Ahead
India will begin their five-match Test series in England in June 2025, with the first match scheduled at Lord’s. All eyes will be on the new-look Indian team as they aim to conquer English conditions without two of their modern greats.
Whether Kohli’s absence turns out to be a turning point or a missed opportunity remains to be seen—but Monty Panesar’s blunt take has certainly ignited an intense discussion about legacy, timing, and the evolving Indian Test squad.
