Sanjay Manjrekar Discusses Virat Kohli's Sensitivity to Criticism

Sanjay Manjrekar sheds light on Virat Kohli's sensitivity to criticism, revealing that the star cricketer is aware of public opinions despite his claims of indifference. Manjrekar discusses Kohli's mixed performance in IPL 2026 and praises his leadership qualities, emphasizing how Kohli's intensity inspires his teammates. This article delves into the complexities of Kohli's character both on and off the field, making it a must-read for cricket enthusiasts.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 12, 2026, 09:04 IST

Kohli's Reaction to Criticism

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed that Virat Kohli is quite sensitive to criticism, noting that he is aware of what is said about him. This perspective contrasts with Kohli's own statements claiming that external opinions do not affect him. Manjrekar shared that there have been instances where Kohli seemed distant after hearing negative remarks about him. He mentioned on the Sportstar's Insight Edge Podcast, "If Kohli hears criticism, it motivates him to aim for another century. It's crucial for him to maintain his privacy, yet he is also very sensitive to what others say."

Manjrekar elaborated, "I've experienced this firsthand during my time with him as a captain and player. There were moments when he would appear cold at the toss, leading me to believe he might have heard something unfavorable about him." He acknowledged that while Kohli often claims indifference to public opinion, his sensitivity could also serve as a source of motivation to achieve greater success.

In the ongoing IPL 2026 season, Kohli has had a mixed performance, accumulating 379 runs over 11 matches. However, his recent lack of runs in the last two games raises concerns for the Royal Challengers Bangalore as they strive for a playoff spot.

Kohli's Leadership Qualities

'Under Kohli, Every Player Was Like Him'

Manjrekar praised Kohli's leadership during his tenure as Test captain, highlighting his ability to keep the team's morale high even in challenging situations. He noted that Kohli's leadership brought significant success to India both at home and abroad, maintaining the relevance of Test cricket amidst the growing popularity of T20 formats.

"What I admired about him as a captain was his ability to energize the team, even when the situation seemed bleak. He ensured that the players remained motivated and believed that success was possible," Manjrekar stated. He emphasized that under Kohli's captaincy, players were expected to embody his intensity and drive, stating, "The team reflects the captain's attitude. If anyone appeared lackluster, they would likely find themselves out of the next Test match. Kohli's aggressive approach inspired everyone to rise to the occasion."