From Doubt to Dynasty: Kohli’s Journey After Manjrekar’s Criticism

Virat Kohli’s recent decision to retire from Test cricket has revived memories of a controversial comment made by former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar over a decade ago. In January 2012, following India’s loss to Australia in Sydney, Manjrekar suggested giving Kohli “one more test just to be sure he does not belong here.” At that time, Kohli had posted modest scores in his initial Tests and faced mounting pressure regarding his place in the Indian squad.

From Early Struggles to Test Glory

However, Kohli’s response to this criticism proved decisive. He was retained for the third Test at the WACA and topped India’s batting in both innings with scores of 44 and 75. More significantly, he scored his maiden Test century in the subsequent match, marking the beginning of an extraordinary Test career. He eventually accumulated 30 Test centuries, establishing himself as one of India’s greatest batsmen and silencing the skeptics who questioned his credentials.

A Bittersweet Farewell

Now, more than a decade later, Manjrekar has expressed disappointment over Kohli’s retirement, suggesting the champion still possessed the fitness and desire to continue playing. The former batter pointed out that contemporaries like Joe Root, Steve Smith, and Kane Williamson continue performing consistently in Test cricket, implying Kohli’s departure was premature. Manjrekar’s criticism of Kohli’s decision to continue playing ODI cricket rather than pursue a Test comeback further underscores his belief that Kohli abandoned the format prematurely.

Kohli’s journey exemplifies how early doubts can be transformed into a legacy of excellence through determination and resilience.