There are hot takes. Then there are cold facts. And sometimes, they clash — just like former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar’s recent comments on Virat Kohli did with reality.
Let’s rewind. Before the high-stakes clash between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on April 7, Manjrekar threw in his verdict: “It’s not a battle of the best anymore. Kohli was at his best 5-6 years ago. Bumrah is peaking now.”
Fast forward, and Kohli has let his bat do the talking — loud and clear. With 443 runs in 10 matches, he’s not just batting well. He’s dominating. A healthy average of over 63 and a strike rate pushing 139? That’s not the script of a player past his prime — that’s vintage Kohli in a new skin.
Meanwhile, Manjrekar took another jab. This time, via a list he shared online — a ‘batting-only list that matters’ based on runs and strike rate in IPL 2025. No Kohli in sight. Odd, considering Kohli’s among the top two run-getters this season and is driving RCB’s playoff push.
But then came a reply that stole the show — not from Virat, but his brother Vikas Kohli.
Posting on Threads, Vikas went straight to the point:
“Mr. Sanjay Manjrekar. Career ODI strike rate: 64.31. Easy to talk about 200-plus strike rates.”
Sure, Kohli isn’t slogging at 200 like some younger guns. But cricket isn’t just about wild hitting — it’s about presence, pressure, and purpose. Kohli brings all three.
He isn’t trying to be what he’s not. He plays with intelligence, guides innings, and lifts RCB when it matters. And right now, they’re sitting at the top of the points table with 14 points — one win away from the playoffs.
That’s not someone fading out. That’s a player rewriting his game, not resting on past glory. Critics will always speak. Legends? They deliver. Kohli doesn’t need to remind anyone who he is. But once in a while, it’s satisfying when someone from the family fires back and says what fans feel deep down.