The debate around Virat Kohli intensified after his brother Vikas Kohli publicly criticized former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar for questioning the batter’s decision to continue playing ODIs. The remarks surfaced following another century from Virat Kohli in the third ODI against New Zealand, even though India ended up on the losing side.

Sanjay Manjrekar had earlier expressed disappointment that Virat Kohli stepped away from Test cricket while continuing in ODIs, describing the 50-over format as the “easiest” for top-order batters. His comments reignited discussions around format difficulty and career choices made by senior players.

Reacting strongly, Vikas Kohli questioned Manjrekar’s assessment, suggesting that performing consistently at the highest level is never easy. His social media posts were widely shared, particularly after Virat Kohli backed his form with a commanding 124-run knock against New Zealand.

Despite India failing to chase a target of 337, Virat Kohli once again stood out as the most reliable batter in the lineup. The innings marked another List A century and reinforced his continued value in ODIs amid ongoing scrutiny.

The episode has fueled a wider debate on how Virat Kohli’s career choices are perceived by former players and fans alike. While opinions differ, the sustained performances suggest that Virat Kohli remains a key figure in India’s ODI plans. For now, the focus stays firmly on output rather than commentary surrounding Virat Kohli and his preferred format.