Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has reiterated his view that ODI cricket is the easiest format for top-order batters. He previously criticized Virat Kohli for retiring from Test cricket while continuing to play ODIs, suggesting that Kohli’s decision reflects an avoidance of Test cricket’s challenges.

Manjrekar explained that many top-order batters in ODIs were middle-order batsmen in Tests. "A lot of people have asked me why I keep saying ODI cricket is easy for top-order batters. Go back a few years and look at the guys opening in 50-over cricket. Those batters were middle-order in Test cricket and were happy to bat at No. 4, 5, 6," he said. He highlighted that ODIs offer advantages such as fewer slips and less aggressive bowling in the early overs, allowing skilled players to build innings comfortably.

Manjrekar praised players like MS Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh, and Suresh Raina for excelling in the lower order, describing positions 4 to 6 as the toughest in one-day cricket. "If you are a good player, you just play out the first 10 to 15 overs. Then the field spreads out, and you get to a hundred if you rotate strike well," he said, emphasizing that true batting greatness in ODIs is found in these challenging middle-order positions.

The former batter maintained that top-order positions one to three in ODIs are comparatively easier. "One day cricket is the last place I would look at to see my batting great of today because there’s too much going for players at the top," Manjrekar added, suggesting that evaluating batting greatness requires observing performance under pressure in tougher positions.

Manjrekar’s comments underscore ongoing debates about Kohli’s choice to focus on limited-overs cricket and the perceived ease of ODIs for top-order batters. His analysis reflects broader discussions on player adaptability, the distinct challenges of Test cricket, and the significance of batting positions in shaping career legacies.