Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has come out in support of Virat Kohli after comments made by Sanjay Manjrekar during the India vs New Zealand ODI series. Manjrekar had referred to ODIs as the “easiest format”.
Manjrekar’s Comment on Formats
Sanjay Manjrekar made the remark while discussing Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket and continue playing One Day Internationals. He compared Kohli’s choice with players like Joe Root, Steve Smith and Kane Williamson, who remain active in Tests.
Harbhajan Backs Kohli Strongly
Harbhajan Singh dismissed the idea that any format is easy. He said scoring runs is challenging in all formats of international cricket and consistency would be common if batting were simple.
Focus Should Be on Team Success
Harbhajan added that the discussion should centre on team results rather than the format a player chooses. He stressed that Kohli has always contributed significantly to India’s success across formats.
Kohli’s Importance in Test Cricket
According to Harbhajan, Virat Kohli would still be India’s main Test batter had he not retired. Kohli ended his Test career with 9,230 runs from 123 matches, including 30 centuries.
Recent Performances in ODIs
Virat Kohli recently moved to the top of the ICC ODI batter rankings, overtaking Rohit Sharma. He scored 93 in the first ODI against New Zealand at Vadodara while chasing 301.
Mixed Results in Second ODI
In the second ODI at Rajkot, Kohli was dismissed for 23. India were 118 for 4 before KL Rahul scored an unbeaten 112 to guide the team to 284.
Series Decider Ahead
New Zealand chased the target comfortably, with Daryl Mitchell scoring an unbeaten 131. The third and final ODI will be played in Indore on Sunday, January 18.
