Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has once again stirred controversy by leaving Rohit Sharma out of his list of India’s all-time batting greats. Speaking on Doordarshan Sports, Manjrekar argued that while players like Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Virat Kohli naturally belong to this elite group, Rohit does not quite fit the same criteria.
Manjrekar’s stance is primarily rooted in Rohit’s Test cricket record, which he believes falls short of legendary status. Rohit retired from Tests earlier this year, ending with 4,301 runs in 67 matches, including 12 centuries and 18 fifties. “Rohit Sharma doesn’t fit in with the all-time great Indian batters. Because you are talking about Gavaskar, Tendulkar, Dravid, and Kohli. Rohit doesn’t fit in it,” Sanjay Manjrekar said.
However, the former batter was quick to clarify that Rohit’s legacy in white-ball cricket is unparalleled. Sanjay Manjrekar highlighted Rohit’s fearless stroke-play, ability to dominate bowling attacks, and leadership qualities, which have left an indelible mark on ODIs and T20Is.
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He recalled Rohit’s selfless approach during India’s 2023 ICC World Cup campaign, where, despite the team’s heartbreak, the Hitman’s commitment earned global admiration. “If it’s just about one-day cricket, or selflessness, or captaining, then you have to mention Rohit Sharma,” Sanjay Manjrekar noted.
Praising Rohit Sharma’s dominance in limited-overs cricket, he added, “The love people had for him went to a different level because he wasn’t thinking about himself. He was almost sacrificing himself so that others could benefit. That’s his specialty. In 50-over and limited-overs cricket, his domination was a joy to watch. He even scored nearly 300 in a single innings, which was very pleasing.”
Despite acknowledging Rohit’s white-ball greatness, Sanjay Manjrekar maintains that Test cricket remains the benchmark for India’s all-time batting legends. “When we talk about all-time Indian batting greats, Test cricket has more impact. And I don’t think Rohit made a big impact there. He doesn’t fit in it,” he concluded.
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Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma’s ODI comeback is set to dominate headlines as he prepares for India’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia. After retiring from T20Is and Tests, the Hitman returns to the format where he has built an iconic legacy. However, reports suggest that the Indian team management may consider a transition plan post-tour to build a fresh core for the ICC World Cup 2027, keeping questions about Rohit’s long-term future alive.
Rohit was last seen leading India to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in the UAE, reinforcing his stature as one of modern cricket’s premier limited-overs batsmen.
