India, Nov. 20 -- Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara, who retired from international cricket four months ago, had rejected the "transition phase" as an excuse for the team's batting collapse on the challenging Eden Gardens track, which led to a 30-run loss against South Africa. On Wednesday, the debate reignited as former batter Manoj Tiwary made another explosive statement, claiming that this very narrative had pressured senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to step back from Test cricket, despite their willingness to continue.

Speaking to India Today, Tiwary argued that the "transition" narrative has no place in Indian cricket, given the wealth of talent in the domestic circuit ready to step in when the time comes. He added th...