Former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar isn’t backing down. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, he doubled down on his controversial “easiest format” comments regarding Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket and stick with ODIs.
Manjrekar’s comments center on Kohli’s 2025 Test retirement. That decision left many observers disappointed. Manjrekar found it particularly irksome that Kohli chose to continue playing one-day internationals. He called them the “easiest format for a top-order batter.”
The Initial Spark: Manjrekar’s Format Hierarchy
Virat Kohli stepped away from Test cricket in 2025. This came during a period when India’s Test performances faced difficulties. Then, players like Joe Root and Steve Smith kept piling up runs in Tests, especially during the Ashes. This fueled discussion in India. Many wondered if Kohli should have stayed in the longest format.
Sanjay Manjrekar spoke out. He said he was “disappointed” Kohli kept playing ODIs. He framed it as a clear hierarchy. Tests sit at the top for challenge. T20Is are next. But ODIs, he said, are in “last place” for a batter of Kohli’s skill. He’d have been “okay” if Kohli retired from all cricket. But not this mix. It was this “easiest format” claim that set everything off.
These early remarks appeared in Indian sports media interviews and TV discussions. He maintains his view. ODI cricket offers less challenge. Field restrictions and pacing options make it forgiving for top players, he thinks.
Family Pushback and Fan Firestorm
Manjrekar’s initial comments did not go unnoticed. Kohli’s brother, Vikas Kohli, reacted sharply on social media. He posted a Hindi-English line. It roughly translates to: “People’s ‘daal roti’ (livelihood) does not run without taking Virat’s name.”
Many saw this as a direct dig. Pundits use Virat Kohli for attention, the message implied. Fans on social platforms largely sided with Kohli. They questioned Manjrekar’s own cricketing record. Many accused him of disrespecting a modern legend. This public backlash only amplified the story. It set the stage for Manjrekar’s next move.
Manjrekar Doubles Down: “Last Place” Stance
Instead of backing down, Manjrekar reinforced his position. NDTV Sports reported on it, headlining a story on Saturday, January 10, 2026, as “Sanjay Manjrekar Doubles Down After ‘Easiest Format’ Take On Virat Kohli: ‘Last Place’.” This showed he wasn’t retracting his earlier statements. He stood by them.
Manjrekar reiterated that ODIs are at the “last place” in terms of difficulty for a top-order batter. He confirmed his “easiest format” label. His explanation clarified his stance. The comment is about the format itself, he said, not a personal attack on Kohli. He believes Tests offer the greatest challenge and are essential for “legacy.” ODIs are structurally less demanding for a batter of Kohli’s caliber. Read more about his reinforced stance in the Hindustan Times.
Wider Debate: Legacy, Format Value, and Critique
The controversy fits into a bigger conversation in Indian cricket. Other voices share similar thoughts. Former India wicketkeeper Shreevats Goswami told NDTV Sports that Kohli “should’ve continued playing Tests.” He thought Kohli should have retired from ODIs instead. This supports the idea that Tests hold the highest priority.
Off-spinner R Ashwin, in another discussion, warned of a “slow death” for ODIs after the Kohli-Rohit era. This shows concern for the 50-over format’s future. These views, even when not directly mentioning Manjrekar, align with his overall theme. Test cricket is often seen as the sport’s ultimate challenge. Manjrekar hasn’t issued any apology. He views his comments as cricketing opinion. His disappointment comes from a belief a player of Kohli’s stature should have extended his Test career. Virat Kohli has remained silent directly addressing Manjrekar’s remarks. His brother’s social media post is the only family response recorded.
The story continues to be a major talking point in Indian cricket. Discussions cover the difficulty of Tests versus ODIs and T20Is. They also touch on how great players should manage their career choices. And there’s a debate about where legitimate critique ends and perceived disrespect begins. No governing body has weighed in. It remains a conversation for fans and media. You can follow ongoing discussions on Times of India Cricket.
Soureesh Datta 
Sagnik Banerjee 
Priyanjan Paul