![Sanjay Manjrekar & Virat Kohli [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @sanjaymanjrekar/x.com, @iplt20.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1746182913055_ManjrekarKohli.jpg?type=mq)
Sanjay Manjrekar & Virat Kohli [Source: @mufaddal_vohra, @sanjaymanjrekar/x.com, @iplt20.com]
If there is one thing that keeps the internet buzzing during IPL season besides massive sixes and last-ball thrillers, it is Sanjay Manjrekar poking the bear. And by bear, we obviously mean Virat Kohli.
Sanjay Manjrekar Subtly Trolls Virat Kohli In Latest Tweet
The former India cricketer has taken yet another dig at the RCB superstar and this time, fans didn’t hold back. After Suryakumar Yadav snatched the Orange Cap from Kohli with a blistering knock against Rajasthan Royals, Manjrekar just couldn’t help himself.
He hopped on Twitter and fired a subtle-but-not-so-subtle shot at King Kohli’s strike rate, once again stirring up a storm online.
“The orange cap is looking extra bright on this batter… most runs so far in the IPL, that too at a SR of 172! Well done Surya!” wrote Manjrekar.
Now on paper, it might sound like praise for Surya but fans knew exactly what he was getting at. The post came just hours after Surya overtook Kohli, and the not-so-subtle emphasis on strike rate sent fans into overdrive.
Many clapped back at Manjrekar, reminding him of his own strike rate and also the fact that RCB is second on the IPL points table due to Kohli’s consistent performances.
“Not A Best vs Best Battle”: Manjrekar’s First Jab This Season
It all started on April 7 during the high-voltage clash between Mumbai Indians and RCB at the Chinnaswamy. With the spotlight limelight on Kohli vs Bumrah, Manjrekar decided to rain on the parade.
Speaking on Star Sports, he claimed the face-off wasn’t “best vs best” anymore.
“Virat Kohli was at his best 5-6 years ago,” he said. “Jasprit Bumrah is at his peak. Kohli’s stocks used to be sky-high, but not anymore.”
That take didn’t sit well with Kohli fans, but Manjrekar wasn’t done yet.
Just when things seemed to cool down, Manjrekar fanned the flames again. He posted a list on X (formerly Twitter), calling it the “batting only list that matters.”
It included seven batters with their IPL 2025 runs and strike rates. Kohli, despite being one of the top scorers this season, was nowhere to be seen. That post lit up social media.
Virat Kohli's Brother Fires backs At Manjrekar
In an unexpected twist, Virat’s brother Vikas Kohli jumped in on Threads and fired a brutal shot back.
“Mr. Sanjay Manjrekar. Career ODI strike rate: 64.31. Easy to talk about 200 plus strike rates,” he wrote, making sure Manjrekar felt the heat.
Meanwhile, while Surya’s fireworks deserve all the applause, the timing and tone of Manjrekar’s comments weren’t lost on fans. Whether it’s just old-school criticism or personal bias, one thing is clear: when Manjrekar speaks about Kohli, it never flies under the radar.
As for Kohli, he has got a golden chance to respond the best way he knows, by letting his bat do the talking when RCB take on CSK at the Chinnaswamy on Saturday, May 3.
 "Jatin")
