The cricketing world is no stranger to the vocal opinions of the former India-leaning commentator, Sanjay Manjrekar. However, the latest chapter in his long history of criticism Virat Kohli struck a personal nerve. After the opening match India vs New Zealand ODI series In January 2026, a social media storm erupted – not only because of the action on the field, but also because of Virat’s brother’s sharp denial that Vikas Kohli.
The tension stems from Manjrekar’s recent comments questioning Virat’s decision to retire from Test cricket in 2025 while continuing to play in the 50-over format. Manjrekar went so far as to label ODIs as the easiest format for top-order batters and said that instead of correcting his technical flaws, Kohli shied away from the challenges of the red-ball game.
Vikas, who often acts as a shield against online vitriol for his brother, did not hold back this time. Taking to social media shortly after the 1st ODI in Vadodara, Vikas shared a cryptic but pointed message to criticize Manjrekar.
“Not so easy format … someone gave his gyaan back a few days … easier to say“,” Vikas wrote on social media. In a separate post that went viral a few days ago, he added: “People don’t eat rice or bread without mentioning Virat Kohli’s name.” (Seems people can’t earn bread and butter without mentioning Virat Kohli’s name).
While Vikas refrained from naming Manjrekar directly, the timing was unmistakable. Manjrekar recently doubled down on his stance, claiming that top-order batsmen in ODIs don’t face slip or gully and ranks in the top three for how easy it is to score. Vikas’ answer reminded us that it is never easy to perform under the weight of a billion expectations, irrespective of the format.
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Virat Kohli’s masterclass run in ODIs silences critics
As the war of words raged off the field, Virat responded in the way he knows best – by dominating 22 yards. In the first ODI against New Zealand, Kohli struck a masterful knock of 91 off 93 balls to go on to a grueling 301 runs. Although he narrowly missed out on his 85th international century, his performance was a tactical clinic in middle order collection and batting spin.
The shooting was not an isolated incident, but a continuation of a massive purple patch for the veteran. Kohli entered the New Zealand series on the back of a domestic run Vijay Hazare trophy and prevails against South Africa. During his 93-run stay at the crease in Vadodara, Virat achieved two great milestones:
- 28,000 international runs: He became the fastest player to reach this milestone Sachin Tendulkar With 20 shots.
- Historic climbing: It passed Kumar Sangakkara becoming the second highest run-scorer in the history of international cricket behind only Tendulkar.
Far from finding the format easy, Kohli’s recent form suggests a player who has upped his game to maintain a strike rate above 100 while remaining the team’s most reliable anchor. As the series progresses, the King seems intent on proving that class is permanent, even as the commentators talk.
