Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has once again stirred debate around Virat Kohli’s Test retirement, drawing comparisons with England great Joe Root and questioning whether the Indian batting icon bowed out of the longest format too early. Manjrekar’s remarks came in the wake of Root’s remarkable resurgence in Test cricket, a phase that has reignited interest in red-ball cricket across the world.

Test cricket has enjoyed a renewed spotlight in recent years, with Joe Root standing tall as its modern-day torchbearer. The former England captain has been the highest run-scorer in World Test Championship history and has consistently delivered match-winning performances across conditions. Alongside Root, Australia’s Steve Smith and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson have also enjoyed productive phases in Test cricket, continuing to pile on runs well into their 30s.

In contrast, Virat Kohli endured a prolonged lean patch in Tests over the final five years of his career, averaging just over 31 during that period. Kohli eventually announced his retirement from the format in 2025, bringing the curtain down on a glittering red-ball career that included 8,848 runs, 29 centuries, and several iconic overseas performances.

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Reacting to Kohli’s decision, Manjrekar suggested that the former India captain should have shown greater resilience and attempted a comeback rather than stepping away from the format he once dominated. He argued that Kohli, known for his elite fitness and fierce competitiveness, had the tools to engineer a revival, much like his Fab Four contemporaries.

Manjrekar’s comments did not sit well with Indian fans, many of whom felt the criticism crossed a line. Social media was flooded with reactions defending Kohli’s legacy, pointing out his unmatched intensity, leadership, and the physical and mental toll of playing all formats for over a decade.

Vikash bhaiya not in the mood to spare Sanjay Manjrekar.

He’s not holding back 🥶 pic.twitter.com/18w4b9ojPu

— Kohlistic🔥 (@Kohlistic18) January 7, 2026

The debate escalated further when Virat Kohli’s elder brother, Vikas Kohli, responded sharply to Manjrekar’s remarks. In a pointed social media post, Vikas mocked the former cricketer, suggesting that Kohli’s name is still used for relevance and attention. The comment quickly gained traction, adding another layer to an already heated discussion.

While Kohli has stepped away from Test and T20 cricket, his journey in international cricket is far from over. The 35-year-old remains a vital cog in India’s ODI setup and continues to rewrite record books in the 50-over format. He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in ODI history and holds the record for the most centuries in the format.

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Kohli is also closing in on major international milestones. He is just a handful of runs away from the 28,000-run mark in international cricket and needs only 42 more runs to surpass Kumar Sangakkara as the second-highest run-getter overall, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar.

The upcoming ODI series against South Africa, beginning January 11, offers Kohli another opportunity to underline his enduring greatness. While debates over his Test retirement may continue, Virat Kohli’s impact on world cricket remains unquestionable—and his story is still very much being written.