Vikas Kohli, the brother of Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, has fired back at former cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar following critical remarks aimed at Virat during the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Manjrekar, speaking on a Star Sports broadcast ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash with Mumbai Indians on April 7, suggested that Virat wasn’t at his best anymore and predicted that Jasprit Bumrah who recently returned to action would dominate the battle between the two. He stated that while Bumrah is in peak form, Kohli’s prime years may be behind him.
Virat Kohli's Brother Vikas Hits Back At Manjrekar
“Mr. Sanjay Manjrekar. Career ODI strike rate: 64.31. Easy to talk about 200 plus strike rates,” the post read.
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Vikas Kohli Brings In Manjrekar's Strike Rate
Manjrekar had also tweeted a list on social media labeled "the only batting list that matters." It included the leading IPL 2025 batter by runs and strike rates interestingly excluding Kohli, even though he had phenomenal stats.
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Vikas Kohli was not sparing. He went on Threads and countered Manjrekar's account with a vicious retort, pointing out the erstwhile cricketer's own disappointing ODI strike rate in his own playing career. He pilloried indirectly the focus on big strike rates, commenting on how simple it was to talk 200+ strike rates from the commentary box.
Virat Kohli's Phenomenal Form In IPL 2025
Virat Kohli has also been one of the top performers this season. With 443 runs from 10 innings at a strike rate of 63.29 and 138.87, he is now second in the Orange Cap race. His performance has been instrumental in the rise of RCB to the top of the points table with 14 points from 10 games and only a win short of a playoff qualification.