Virat Kohli may publicly project that he tunes out outside chatter, but former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar feels the star batter actually absorbs criticism closely. Manjrekar’s view is that Kohli hears the negative talk and, rather than ignoring it completely, can react to it—particularly around match moments like the toss.
Manjrekar on Kohli’s response to criticism
Speaking on the Insight Edge Podcast, Manjrekar said Kohli, currently featuring in the Indian Premier League for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, has at times appeared “cold” towards him during tosses. The reason, according to Manjrekar, was that Kohli had reportedly come across unfavourable comments about his performances.
In Manjrekar’s assessment, Kohli is “very sensitive to criticism” and tends to learn what is being said. He added that Kohli has been among those who once insisted they do not care about public opinion, yet still shows sensitivity beneath the surface.
Manjrekar also suggested that criticism can work as fuel. Instead of derailing Kohli, he believes it may “spur him on” to produce the next major score—framing doubt as something that pushes Kohli to respond with a match-defining hundred.
Quick facts
- Sanaj Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli pays close attention to criticism.
- Manjrekar says Kohli can appear “cold” toward him during tosses after negative comments.
- Kohli is described as “very sensitive to criticism” and aware of what is being said.
- Manjrekar believes criticism may motivate Kohli to score his next big hundred.
- Kohli’s IPL 2026 has been mixed for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
- He started strongly, then suffered back-to-back ducks versus Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians.
- Manjrekar praised Kohli’s Test leadership, calling him one of India’s greatest captains.
- He said Kohli kept team energy high even when conditions made it difficult for bowlers.
- Manjrekar also said Kohli’s aggressive influence made teammates match his standards.
- Kohli retired from Test cricket before India’s England tour last year.
IPL 2026: mixed returns for RCB
Manjrekar noted that Kohli’s IPL 2026 campaign for Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been a mixed one. The batter began the season strongly, but more recently he was dismissed for ducks in consecutive matches against Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians.
That downturn, however, sits alongside Manjrekar’s wider argument that Kohli can use pressure and criticism as motivation—suggesting the same scrutiny that affects him emotionally could also help sharpen his response at the crease.
Leadership praised in Tests
Beyond the IPL, Manjrekar highlighted Kohli’s Test captaincy and called him one of India’s greatest captains. He pointed to how Kohli managed the team’s intensity even when match situations turned tough, especially in moments when conditions were unfavourable for bowlers.
Manjrekar described the key trait as Kohli’s ability to keep the side “driven” when things “went flat.” In his view, the captain’s job wasn’t only to respond to events, but to prevent momentum from draining away.
Kohli’s influence on teammates
Manjrekar also spoke about Kohli’s aggressive impact inside the dressing room. He said that under Kohli, every player was expected to play and think “like Virat Kohli,” setting a high standard for attitude and intensity.
Kohli retired from Test cricket before India’s England tour last year, but the leadership and competitive mindset Manjrekar refers to remains central to how his captaincy is remembered by many observers.
