Virat Kohli’s shock retirement from Test cricket has triggered intense debate, with former England spinner Monty Panesar raising tough questions about the timing and reasons behind the decision. Speaking to Hindustan Times, Panesar said: “I think he was definitely going to play. I think England were expecting, everyone was expecting him to play. I'm surprised he's kind of bailed out.” Also read: PBKS vs MI Injury Update: Are Chahal and Chahar available for Qualifier 2? Panesar believes Kohli’s exit was influenced by discussions with the Indian team management, which may have hinted at a limited role if his initial performances were poor. “Maybe the fact that outside off-stump, he's just thinking, well, you know, they may have had a word with him. They said, look, if you don't score well in the first couple of Test matches, don't expect to play all five. So, he's probably thinking, well, I'll just call it a day and give the youngsters a go,” he explained. This candid take suggests Kohli’s retirement might have been a strategic retreat to avoid being dropped mid-series, a scenario few expected from the former captain and batting great. India's challenge without Kohli Panesar also shifted focus to India’s upcoming Test tour of England, starting June 20, emphasizing that the team’s success will hinge on the new generation of players stepping up, particularly in the crucial middle-order. He said, “It would depend on how Karun Nair performs, he scored a double-hundred against the England Lions. He and Shubman Gill, that middle-order, how they bat. I think the batters who've played county cricket, if they are able to then transform that same form at the international level, then I think India have got a chance to win.” With Shubman Gill now named as India’s Test captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, the responsibility on the young batters is immense. Kohli’s absence leaves a huge void, especially on a demanding England tour where conditions can challenge even the best. Also READ: Kane Williamson on Kohli's Test retirement: ‘oh gosh, there’s an end point’ India will play five Tests in England, with the final match scheduled for July 31. Kohli’s sudden retirement, coming just before this series, adds a new layer of uncertainty to India’s prospects in what promises to be a tough contest.