NEW DELHI: The cricketing world is once again abuzz with controversy as former India batter Manoj Tiwary has made startling allegations regarding Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket. Tiwary claims that the legendary batsman was "forced" into stepping away from the longest format, rather than making the decision voluntarily.
Reigniting the Test Retirement Debate
Kohli's departure from Test cricket continues to be a dominant topic in sports discussions, primarily because his red-ball career symbolized an entire era for Indian cricket. With contemporaries like England's Joe Root and Australia's Steve Smith still accumulating Test centuries, the absence of Kohli from the format remains a significant point of conversation among fans and experts alike.
Tiwary's Explosive Statement
In an interview with InsideSport, Tiwary strongly opposed the opinion expressed by former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, who suggested that Kohli left the "hardest format" to continue playing in the "easiest" one. "I don't agree with him. Usko majboor kiya gaya tha," Tiwary stated emphatically.
He elaborated further, saying, "An atmosphere was created as such that he had to say goodbye to Test cricket. He is not someone who would just decide on his own to leave. Yes, the decision came from his mouth, but everyone knows what happened behind the scenes."
Defending Kohli's Integrity
Tiwary added that, given the circumstances, it is unjust to accuse Kohli of selecting formats merely to enhance his statistical records. "After knowing everything, how can you say he left the hardest format to play the easiest one just for runs? I don't agree with him," he reiterated, standing firm in his defense of the former India captain.
Kohli's Ongoing Dominance in ODIs
While the debate over his Test retirement rages on, Virat Kohli's performance in One Day Internationals continues to speak volumes about his enduring class and skill. Despite India's inability to secure the ODI series against New Zealand, Kohli delivered a valiant century that showcased his unwavering commitment and talent.
A Lone Warrior Effort
In the third ODI against the Kiwis, Kohli smashed a magnificent 108-ball 124, decorated with 10 fours and three sixes. This innings not only kept India competitive in the match but also highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
The knock marked several significant milestones:
- Kohli's 85th international century
- His 54th ODI hundred, extending his own record
- His seventh ODI century against New Zealand, the most by any batter
These achievements reinforce that while his Test chapter may have concluded, Virat Kohli's impact on the game of cricket is far from over. His consistent excellence in limited-overs cricket continues to inspire fans and set new benchmarks in the sport.
