IND vs ENG: Sanjay Manjrekar sparked fresh debate by subtly criticizing Virat Kohli

• Jun 21, 2025

As the India vs England Test series unfolds, former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has once again stirred the pot with his remarks — this time subtly targeting Virat Kohli while praising the performances of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul.

In a recent commentary segment, Manjrekar lauded Yashasvi Jaiswal for his aggressive yet composed batting approach and appreciated KL Rahul’s technique and temperament in tough conditions. However, it was his comparison with “certain players who struggle outside the off stump” that caught attention — a remark many interpreted as a veiled reference to Virat Kohli’s well-documented struggle with deliveries outside the off stump, especially in overseas conditions.

“What I loved about Yashasvi and Rahul was how they left the ball outside off stump. That’s where class batters show their maturity. Some players, even the best, have been repeatedly caught chasing those deliveries,” Manjrekar said with a pause that seemed to carry extra weight.

The reference did not go unnoticed by fans and cricket experts, as Kohli’s vulnerability to edging balls outside off — particularly in England — has been a hot topic for years. While Kohli has often silenced critics with match-winning knocks, his lean patches tend to reignite this technical debate.

Though Manjrekar did not mention Kohli directly, the timing of his statement during India’s batting innings — and the emphasis on off-stump discipline — seemed like a familiar jab. This isn’t the first time Manjrekar has critiqued Kohli’s technique. Over the years, he’s commented on Kohli’s “risk-taking instinct” and “shot selection” during crucial phases of matches.

Fans React

Kohli’s fans were quick to defend the star batsman on social media, pointing out his record across formats and his past performances in England, including the stellar 2018 tour where he scored over 500 runs. Others, however, felt that Manjrekar’s technical observation wasn’t entirely wrong and that younger players like Yashasvi could learn from past mistakes made by veterans.

The Bigger Picture

Virat Kohli remains one of India’s most dependable and iconic cricketers. However, as a new generation of talent emerges, comparisons — both subtle and direct — are becoming more frequent. Whether it’s constructive criticism or thinly veiled digs, Kohli’s legacy continues to fuel cricketing debates.

As India looks ahead to the remaining Tests, all eyes will be on Kohli’s bat. Will he respond in trademark fashion — with a century that silences the noise? Time will tell.