xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has once again stirred the pot with his recent comments on Virat Kohli's retirement from T20I cricket. Known for his forthright and often critical commentary, Manjrekar has a history of being vocal about Kohli's leadership and playing style, indicating a less-than-amicable equation between the two. His critiques, particularly of Kohli's strike rate in T20s, have frequently sparked debates among fans and cricket pundits, and this latest episode is no different.

Manjrekar, speaking to ESPNcricinfo, offered a scathing assessment of Kohli's decision to retire from T20I cricket. He acknowledged Kohli's brilliance in ODI cricket, predicting another decade of dominance, but argued that Kohli is no longer the T20 batter he once was.

Read More: ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Rahul Dravid’s final speech in dressing room hid a special message for Rohit Sharma! Find out

“There was a time when he was at his prime in Test cricket. When he was getting 400s in Australia in a 5-match series, so, that was Virat Kohli at his prime. 50-overs is a format that he can manage forever. Even if he continues to play for the next 10 years. But there was a time when he was a brilliant T20 player,” Manjrekar stated.

He highlighted a notable IPL season where Kohli showcased his power-hitting abilities, dominating with runs and sixes. However, Manjrekar noted that like Sachin Tendulkar, Kohli's power hitting has declined with age, impacting his T20 performances.

“In the IPL, there was one season where he got runs and had the most sixes. And the most sixes. So, he had the power game. And in that game in Mohali against Australia, we saw the best of Virat Kohli. It was like hitting the big shots at will. With age, you lose a bit of power. And that is something that has happened to Sachin Tendulkar as well," Manjrekar explained.

He suggested that Kohli's approach in T20s needs adjustment and that focusing on Test and ODI cricket, where his strengths align best, is a prudent decision. Manjrekar hinted that Kohli has recognized his challenges in maintaining consistency in T20s at this stage of his career, prompting his retirement from the format.

Read More: ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Suryakumar Yadav reveals Kohli leading beside from Rohit Sharma!

Interestingly, despite a stellar IPL 2024 season, Kohli struggled in the T20 World Cup 2024 before delivering a match-defining knock of 76 runs in the final against South Africa. Manjrekar’s comments, however, overshadowed these performances and reignited the debate over Kohli's T20I future.

Fans and pundits alike have reacted strongly to Manjrekar's remarks, with social media buzzing with opinions both supporting and criticizing the commentator's views. As Kohli moves forward in his career, the discussions surrounding his legacy and decisions continue to capture the cricketing world's attention.