New Delhi: Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a fresh debate in cricketing circles after suggesting that Virat Kohli continues to play One-Day Internationals because it is the “easiest” format for top-order batters. His remarks have drawn strong reactions from fans and former cricketers alike, with ex-India spinner Harbhajan Singh coming out firmly in defence of Kohli.

Manjrekar questions Kohli’s format choices

Virat Kohli retired from T20 Internationals in 2024 and followed it up by stepping away from Test cricket in 2025. However, the former India captain remains an active and prolific performer in ODIs, where he continues to score heavily at the highest level. Manjrekar, analysing this transition, suggested that Kohli had chosen to move away from the formats where he was facing the most difficulty and stick with one that offers greater comfort to elite batters.

According to Manjrekar, Kohli’s decision to retire from Tests — a format in which his form had dipped in recent years — while continuing in ODIs reflects a broader trend in modern cricket. He argued that 50-over cricket is more forgiving for top-order batters compared to Test cricket, particularly in terms of field settings and bowling intent.

“ODI cricket is easy for top-order batters”

In an Instagram video that quickly went viral, Manjrekar explained the reasoning behind his long-held belief that ODI cricket is comparatively easier for batters at the top of the order.

“A lot of people have asked me why I keep saying ODI cricket is easy for top-order batters. Go back a few years in Indian cricket and look at the guys who were opening for India for a long time in 50-over cricket. Those batters were middle-order batters in Test cricket,” Manjrekar said.

He pointed out that many players who were reluctant to bat in the top three in Tests were eager to open or bat at No. 3 in ODIs. “They were very happy to play at No. 4, 5 or 6 in Tests. But come one-day cricket, they were almost desperate to bat in the top three,” he added.

Manjrekar further highlighted technical and tactical differences between the formats. “When you are opening in 50-overs cricket or batting at No. 3, there are no four slips and a gully. When a bowler is running in, he’s not really coming in to get you out. He’s trying to make sure you don’t score 10–15 runs an over,” he said, underlining why he believes ODI cricket favours batters more than Tests.

Strong reactions from fans and experts

Manjrekar’s comments triggered sharp reactions on social media, with many fans accusing him of undermining Kohli’s achievements in ODI cricket. Kohli is widely regarded as one of the greatest ODI batters of all time, with a staggering number of centuries, match-winning performances and consistent contributions across ICC tournaments.

Critics of Manjrekar’s view argue that while formats differ in difficulty, excelling over a long period in any international format requires exceptional skill, fitness and mental strength. Kohli’s longevity and ability to adapt, they say, should not be reduced to the idea of choosing an “easy” option.

Harbhajan Singh backs Kohli

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh was quick to respond to Manjrekar’s remarks, urging fans and experts to appreciate Kohli’s contributions rather than questioning his choices.

“If it was so easy to score runs in any format, then everyone would have made it,” Harbhajan said, as quoted by Sportstar. “Let’s just enjoy what people are doing. They are playing well, winning games, scoring runs and taking wickets. That’s all that matters.”

Harbhajan stressed that format preference should not be used as a yardstick to judge a player’s greatness. “It doesn’t matter who plays which format. Virat, whether he plays in one format or all formats, has been a fantastic player and a big-time match winner for India,” he said.

Kohli’s impact beyond formats

The former spinner also highlighted Kohli’s broader influence on Indian cricket and the next generation of players. According to Harbhajan, Kohli’s professionalism, intensity and commitment have helped take Indian cricket forward over the past decade.

“They inspire the next generation. Manjrekar has his own way of thinking. The way I see it is that Virat and these players have played a major role in taking this game forward,” Harbhajan added.

Kohli’s ODI record continues to speak for itself, with his consistency across conditions and against top opposition making him a central figure in India’s 50-over plans. Even after stepping away from Tests and T20Is, he remains a key leader and match-winner in the ODI setup.

Conclusion

Manjrekar’s comments have reignited the long-running debate over format difficulty and player choices in modern cricket. While his analysis highlights structural differences between Tests and ODIs, the strong response from Harbhajan Singh and fans reflects the deep respect Kohli commands across formats. As Kohli continues to perform in ODIs, the focus is likely to remain on his impact rather than the perceived ease or difficulty of the format he chooses to play.