The cricket world is buzzing with excitement as Virat Kohli continues to shine, despite India’s recent series loss to New Zealand. Kohli stood out as a remarkable performer, amassing a total of 240 runs over three matches, which included a spectacular century and a solid fifty. The final game could have seen a different outcome if he had received more support from his teammates, but the stars did not align for them that day. Fans in Indore were treated to an extraordinary performance when the former Indian captain scored 124 runs while chasing a target of 338.
Throughout the three ODIs, Kohli's scores were impressive at 93, 23, and 124. Each time he surpassed the fifty-run mark, social media lit up with fans playfully mocking Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer who has made some controversial remarks about Kohli.
You might be wondering why there’s such tension. Not too long ago, Manjrekar released an Instagram video where he criticized the 37-year-old Kohli for stepping back from Test cricket and choosing to participate in what he described as the "easier" format of ODIs. This comment was made during the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, where both Steve Smith and Joe Root were making headlines by securing centuries for their respective teams.
Manjrekar's thoughts did not sit well with many cricket enthusiasts, and they certainly seemed to have struck a nerve with Kohli's elder brother, Vikas. Following Kohli’s achievement of his 54th ODI century and overall 85th ton, Vikas took to social media to address Manjrekar directly, and his response quickly gained traction online.
He provocatively questioned whether Manjrekar had any further advice for Kohli regarding the supposedly "easy" nature of ODI cricket. "I wonder if Mr. Expert of cricket has some suggestions for playing this easier form of cricket. You really have to be there to understand it. As the saying goes, easier said than done," Vikas commented on Threads, showcasing his defense of his brother.
Kohli’s recent performance has been nothing short of remarkable. In his last six ODIs, he has accumulated three centuries and two half-centuries. Additionally, he has also scored a century and a fifty while representing Delhi in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Following his retirement from Test cricket, many have speculated about Kohli’s motivation to compete in the 2027 ODI World Cup. There have even been rumors that he might consider retiring from international cricket after the upcoming ODI series against Australia.
In the first two ODIs against Australia, Kohli faced a challenging start, being dismissed for ducks. However, he made a spectacular comeback, hitting an unbeaten half-century in the final match in Sydney. Since that moment, he has been on an upward trajectory, proving he is still a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing arena.
Looking ahead, Kohli will next wear the Indian jersey in July 2026 when the team embarks on a three-match ODI series in England. Before that, he will return to India from London to participate in the IPL 2026 season, where he aims to assist Royal Challengers Bangalore in defending their title.
