In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian cricket, few things are as controversial as the career choices of a modern legend. Virat Kohli. After India’s emphatic four-wicket win New Zealand Vadodara, former India batsman first ODI Muhammad Kaif He launched into a spirited defense of Kohli, specifically hitting out at his critics Sanjay Manjrekar suggesting that the star batsman opted for the easier format by continuing in ODIs after his Test exit.
Mohammad Kaif slams criticism of Virat Kohli’s choice of format
The tension started when Manjrekar expressed his disappointment over Kohli’s decision to continue playing 50-over cricket while moving away from the grueling Test arena. Manjrekar hinted that Kohli, at 37, may seek the path of least resistance. However, speaking on her YouTube channel on January 12, Kaif debunked these narratives, calling such arguments “childish and stupid.”
Kaif emphasized that Kohli’s pedigree in the longest format was beyond reproach, pointing to his 9,230 Test runs and 30 centuries as proof of his mastery in difficult conditions. He argued that no format of international cricket can be called “easy”, noting the immense mental and physical toll of batting, noting that one delivery can stop a player’s contribution.
“He (Virat Kohli) scored nearly 9000 runs in Test cricket. It’s not like he hasn’t proven himself in tough situations. He has scored nearly 30 Test centuries to his name. Most players will never come close to that. So these are childish and stupid arguments saying that Virat Kohli chose an easy format. There is no easy cricket. Even the club game is not easy. Batting is the most demanding as your entire game can be destroyed in just one ballKaif noted.
Kaif further objected to comparisons with other contemporary greats Joe RootDespite Root’s dominance in Tests, he noted Kohli’s lack of amazing consistency and presence in white-ball formats. For Kaif, the suggestion that a player with over 28,000 international runs is looking for easy runs is a fundamental misunderstanding of the sport.
does @imVkohli playing the easiest (ODI) format? @MohammadKaif has an answer #viratxoli #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/5FosEjefwL
— Ravish Bisht (@ravishbofficial) January 13, 2026
Also READ: Fastest to 28,000: Here’s a breakdown of Virat Kohli’s international runs
Kohli’s resurgent masterclass silences the noise in ODIs
While pundits debated his future, Kohli responded brilliantly on the field. During the 1st ODI in Vadodara on January 11, Kohli anchored India’s chase of 301 with a magnificent knock of 91 off 93 balls. His innings was a masterclass in chase pace, featuring eight boundaries and a powerful six, proving that his hunger for runs has not waned.
During this knock, Kohli etched his name deeper into the history books by becoming the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs, achieving the feat in just 624 innings. Sachin Tendulkar‘s mark is 644. He also passed Kumar Sangakkara becoming the second highest goalscorer in the history of the game.
They lead the three-match series 1-0 with the second ODI scheduled to be played at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot, India on January 14. Kohli’s imperative form, Kaif said, has become the backbone of the Indian squad, especially when the team is dealing with injury issues such as injury. Washington Sundar. As the Men in Blue look to clinch the series, all eyes will be on Kohli, whose easy format continues to witness record-breaking performances that most cricketers can only dream of.
Also READ: ODIs ft. 3 cricketers with most Man of the Match awards in Virat Kohli
