IPL 2022 | Kohli used to hit big sixes - Manjrekar makes futile claims

Virat Kohli has been struggling with the bat lately, with critics and fans waiting for a big inning from the King. However, former cricketer turned cricketer commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has again made the waves as he made comments on Virat Kohli’s form after the Royal Challengers Bangalore won a win against Mumbai Indians (MI) in the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). 

Kohli played a crucial role in RCB’s win as the player scored 48 runs off 36 deliveries before missing out on a well-deserved half-century due to a controversial leg before the decision. However, Manjrekar was not impressed with the knock and let his thoughts known after the fixture.

While talking to ESPN Cricinfo, the former Test batter commented, “Virat Kohli did score some runs, but when I see him, I focus on how far his sixes go – near the boundary, in the stands or the second tier. 

Manjekar went further on after making another cryptic comment about the former India and RCB captain by making a tasteless comment on Kohli’s power game. 

“He’s still only just clearing the boundary ropes, and this is what I have often said in the past year – Kohli’s power game has diminished a bit. Five-six years ago, he used to hit big sixes.” 

I will focus on that and not him hitting 50 or 60 runs. Once his power game gets better, then I’ll say Kohli has arrived in T20 cricket, the critic added.

Virat Kohli has scored 106 runs so far in his four appearances in the contest, with an average of 35.33. The superstar has scored runs with a strike rate of 135.90 in the competition, which contradicts the words of Manjrekar. 

The RCB talisman was on the end of a dubious decision against Mumbai. The player found himself walking back to the dugout after a controversial leg before decision, with the ball making contact with his bat and ball simultaneously. 

Kohli and Bangalore will be in action tonight (April 12) as they take on defending champion Chennai Super in the much-awaited South Indian derby.