Kohli's ODI Choice Disappoints Sanjay Manjrekar

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has recently voiced his disappointment regarding Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket. Kohli, once considered one of the leading players in the format, stepped away while contemporaries like Joe Root and Steve Smith continue to excel. Manjrekar believes that Kohli’s struggles over the past five years could have been an opportunity for him to discover the underlying issues affecting his performance and regain his former glory.

Manjrekar's comments come in light of Joe Root achieving his 41st Test century, placing him just behind legends Sachin Tendulkar and Jacques Kallis in the all-time list. The former cricketer feels that Kohli’s retirement is unfortunate, especially given the ongoing successes of his peers. He expressed sadness that Kohli has chosen to play One Day Internationals (ODIs) instead of challenging himself in Test cricket, which he believes is the ultimate test for any batter.

He emphasized that Test cricket tests a player's skills more rigorously than other formats and feels that Kohli, with his fitness, could have continued his fight to regain form. Manjrekar pointed out that Kohli’s last few years were marked by a significant dip in performance, which was evident during his final series in Australia. He noted that Kohli averaged just above 30 during this period, raising questions about his commitment to improving his game.

Manjrekar suggested that Kohli could have taken the opportunity to play domestic cricket to hone his skills and prepare for a comeback. He stressed that the challenges of Test cricket are distinct and require a different level of mental and physical preparation. With players like Root and Smith thriving, Manjrekar's remarks highlight a sense of lost potential and the importance of perseverance in the sport.

In conclusion, while Kohli's contributions to Indian cricket are undeniable, the sentiment expressed by Manjrekar resonates with many fans who hoped to see him challenge himself and make a return to the format that once defined him. Kohli's journey remains a topic of discussion, as cricket enthusiasts reflect on what might have been.