Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a fresh debate by questioning Virat Kohli's decision to retire from Test cricket. Manjrekar suggested that the batting maestro opted to leave the longest format rather than work on fixing the technical shortcomings that had crept into his game.
The Core of Manjrekar's Argument
In his critique, Manjrekar presented a compelling comparison with contemporary English batting great, Joe Root. He highlighted that Root, who faces similar high-pressure situations and bowling attacks, continues to play Test cricket and is still scoring runs aplenty. The implication is clear: Kohli, despite his legendary status, chose a different path when confronted with a prolonged dip in form in the red-ball arena.
"Instead of fixing his flaws, Virat Kohli chose to walk away from Tests," Manjrekar stated, pinpointing what he perceives as a key difference in mindset between the two modern legends. His comments were reported on 06 January 2026, adding a new layer to the ongoing discussion about Kohli's career trajectory post his Test retirement.
A Question of Legacy and Longevity
Manjrekar's analysis goes beyond mere criticism; it touches upon the ethos of a Test cricketer. The longer format is often seen as the ultimate challenge, requiring constant adaptation and refinement. By pointing to Joe Root's sustained success, Manjrekar underscores the value of perseverance and technical overhaul. His viewpoint suggests that Kohli's legacy, while monumental, could have been further burnished had he tackled his challenges head-on within the Test arena, much like his English counterpart has done.
The debate raises several pertinent questions for cricket pundits and fans alike:
- Is it fair to compare the career choices of two players from different cricketing ecosystems?
- Does a player of Kohli's accomplishments owe it to the game to fight through a lean phase?
- How much should format-specific workloads and mental fatigue factor into such decisions?
Reactions and the Road Ahead
Manjrekar's comments are likely to generate significant discussion within the cricketing community. Kohli, who remains an active and dominant force in white-ball cricket (ODIs and T20s), has not publicly responded to this specific observation. The comparison with Joe Root is particularly intriguing because both batsmen are of a similar age and have been pillars for their respective national teams across all formats for over a decade.
Ultimately, Manjrekar's remarks highlight the intense scrutiny that legends face. While Kohli's contributions to Indian Test cricket are indelible, this critique frames his retirement as a moment of choice between evolution and exit. As the cricket world digests this perspective, the focus will also remain on Joe Root, who continues to embody the classic Test batsman's enduring grit.
