Sanjay Manjrekar Takes a Brutal Dig at Kohli LIVE on Air – Fans Furious After Commentator’s Remark

The opening Test between England and India at Headingley has already sparked attention, not just for the on-field action but also for some sharp remarks made in the commentary box.

With India fielding a young squad following the retirements of several senior players, the focus has shifted to how the new era will perform under pressure.

Manjrekar’s Remark Sparks Online Buzz

During India’s promising first innings start, with KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal putting on a strong 91-run partnership, commentator Sanjay Manjrekar made a controversial comment.

While discussing the Indian batters’ shot selection and technique outside the off-stump, he took what many believe was a direct dig at Virat Kohli.

“We know of a former batter who would have gone after that delivery and gotten himself into trouble,” Manjrekar said during commentary, shortly after a well-leaved delivery was shown in the highlights.

"A former batter would have gone after that delivery once played that shot and got himself into trouble but not these two."

Virat Kohli has moved on from Test cricket. Maybe it’s time the commentary team does too, and focuses on the game, Manjrekar shab?

— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) June 20, 2025

Though no names were mentioned, fans were quick to assume that the remark was targeted at Kohli, especially considering his history of dismissals in overseas conditions while chasing wide deliveries.

Kohli’s Past Struggles Outside Off-Stump

Virat Kohli, who announced his Test retirement before the start of the series, has often been troubled by balls in the corridor of uncertainty, especially in England.

His dismissals in past tours, notably against James Anderson, often came while trying to drive deliveries that he could have left alone.

Many believe that this technical flaw contributed to his struggles in England and might have played a role in his decision to walk away from red-ball cricket.

Manjrekar’s History With Controversies

This isn’t the first time Sanjay Manjrekar has stirred controversy with his commentary. He has previously drawn criticism for calling Ravindra Jadeja a “bits and pieces cricketer” during the 2019 World Cup and has also made bold statements about legends like Sachin Tendulkar.

After facing backlash, Manjrekar has had to clarify or apologise on previous occasions. Whether he responds to the growing online reaction to this Kohli comment remains to be seen.