Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has raised concerns over Virat Kohli’s struggles in ODI cricket, attributing it to a lack of power-hitting ability and diminished confidence since the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. While Kohli has maintained his trademark intensity and aggressive body language in the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Manjrekar believes it is merely a façade hiding his inner struggles.
In India’s tournament opener against Bangladesh, Kohli managed only 22 runs before falling to leg-spinner Rishad Hossain. This marked the third consecutive ODI dismissal against a leg-spinner, a troubling pattern reminiscent of his past struggles against pace bowlers outside off-stump in Australia. Additionally, this was his 12th consecutive ODI innings without a century, with his last triple-figure score coming in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Perth.
“He still wants to show that he’s up for the fight, and I’m starting to see a bit of bravado. And why not? No cricketer wants to reveal their inner doubts. But the reality is that Virat doesn’t have the big game anymore. We’ve seen him attempt aggressive shots, but he can’t hit at will like Shubman Gill does,” Sanjay Manjrekar said in a adiscussion on ESPNcricinfo.
ALSO READ: Shane Watson Backs Glenn Maxwell To Shine In ICC Champions Trophy 2025
According to Manjrekar, Kohli’s slump has led to a lack of authority in his batting, affecting his ability to dominate spinners. He pointed out that Kohli’s hesitation in taking on spinners has emboldened them to attack him more confidently.
“When Kohli comes in, spinners are immediately brought on. They know he won’t take them down for three sixes straight down the ground or over midwicket. That allows them to bowl attacking deliveries without fear of punishment. He’s cornered in a way,” Sanjay Manjrekar explained.
He further suggested that Kohli would have benefited from batting on flatter tracks like those in Pakistan, where free stroke play is easier. However, he also acknowledged that if Kohli finds a way to overcome this phase and return to his best, it would be a testament to his resilience and mental strength.
WATCH – Mumbai Indians Unveil New Jersey For IPL 2025: A Fresh Start
India will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in a high-stakes group-stage clash on Sunday, a game that could be crucial for Kohli to rediscover his touch.
