Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has revealed that batting star Virat Kohli is more affected by criticism than he publicly admits, sharing personal experiences from his interactions with the former India captain. Speaking during a recent podcast appearance, Manjrekar said Kohli closely follows opinions and commentary about his performances despite often maintaining that outside criticism does not affect him. The remarks have once again highlighted the long-discussed relationship between high-profile athletes and public scrutiny in modern cricket.

Manjrekar, who has frequently made headlines for his blunt assessments as a cricket analyst, explained that he noticed changes in Kohli’s behaviour after certain comments were made publicly about him. Recalling incidents from his time covering matches involving Kohli, Manjrekar said there were occasions when the Indian batter appeared distant or “cold” during toss presentations and other interactions. According to Manjrekar, these moments made him realise that Kohli had likely become aware of criticism directed at him through television analysis or media discussions.

During the podcast, Manjrekar stated that Kohli is “very sensitive to criticism” and pays attention to what people say about him. However, he also suggested that such sensitivity may have positively influenced Kohli’s performances over the years. Manjrekar said criticism often appears to motivate Kohli and push him toward producing major innings or match-winning performances. The former batter indicated that this competitive response to negative commentary has been one of the defining aspects of Kohli’s career and mentality as an elite athlete.

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The comments also revisited the occasionally tense relationship between Manjrekar and some Indian cricketers, particularly because of his outspoken opinions as a commentator. One of his most controversial moments came when he referred to Ravindra Jadeja as a “bits and pieces” player during the 2019 Cricket World Cup, a remark that drew strong criticism from fans and players alike. His observations about Kohli over the years have similarly generated debate, with supporters often divided over whether analysts should openly critique leading players in such direct terms.

Despite acknowledging occasional friction, Manjrekar also praised Kohli’s qualities as captain and credited him for transforming the attitude and intensity of the Indian Test team. He described Kohli’s biggest strength as his ability to maintain energy and belief within the side even in difficult situations. According to Manjrekar, Kohli ensured that every player matched his aggressive approach and competitive mindset, especially in Test cricket. He added that players who lacked visible intensity under Kohli’s leadership often struggled to secure their place in the team.

Manjrekar further said that Indian teams under Kohli reflected the personality of their captain, with aggression and intensity becoming key features of the side during that period. Kohli remains one of the most influential figures in Indian cricket, both for his achievements as a batter and his impact on team culture. His ability to perform under pressure and respond strongly to criticism has frequently been discussed by former players and analysts. The latest remarks from Manjrekar are likely to reignite conversations among cricket fans about the pressures of stardom, media scrutiny, and the psychological demands faced by modern sporting icons.

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