Sanjay Manjrekar’s Commentary Sparks Fresh Bias Debate Against Virat Kohli During England Test

Leeds, England – Veteran Indian commentator and former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has once again found himself at the center of controversy, drawing criticism from fans over remarks perceived as subtly biased against Test legend Virat Kohli. The latest incident unfolded during the ongoing first Test between India and England at Headingley, reigniting a long-standing debate about Manjrekar’s commentary style when it comes to the former Indian captain.

The contentious moment occurred on Day 1 of the Headingley Test (June 20, 2025), as India’s new-look opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed remarkable discipline in leaving deliveries outside the off-stump. While praising their cautious approach, Manjrekar stated on air, “So a lot of what you’re seeing is being created by these two batters. And my hats off, there’s another example of it we know of. A former batter would have gone after that delivery and got himself into trouble, but not these two.“

This comment was immediately picked up by vigilant fans and widely circulated on social media, with the overwhelming consensus being that “a former batter” was a thinly veiled, yet pointed, reference to Virat Kohli. Kohli, who recently retired from Test cricket in May 2025, had a well-documented struggle with deliveries outside the off-stump, particularly in his later years, leading to multiple dismissals in the slips cordon, notably during India’s tour of Australia in 2024-25.

Reluctance to Name Kohli After Gill’s Celebration (Day 2)

On Day 2 of the Headingley Test, a moment of high drama unfolded when Shubman Gill, newly appointed captain, displayed a charged-up celebration after what he believed was Joe Root’s wicket. The on-field umpire gave Root out, but Root immediately reviewed the decision, and the third umpire overturned the decision. In the Hindi commentary box, a co-commentator prompted Manjrekar, asking him who Gill’s passionate celebration reminded him of, clearly hinting at Virat Kohli’s well-known animated reactions on the field. However, Manjrekar reportedly hesitated and avoided taking Kohli’s name directly. This perceived reluctance to acknowledge Kohli’s influence on celebratory gestures, despite his significant impact on Indian cricket’s aggressive mindset, further fueled fan accusations of bias.

A Pattern of Perceived Bias

This isn’t the first time Manjrekar’s commentary has faced scrutiny for its perceived bias against Virat Kohli. Over the years, several of his remarks have drawn the ire of fans and, at times, even prompted responses from cricketers themselves.

• “Bits and Pieces” Remark: One of the most famous instances was during the 2019 World Cup when Manjrekar infamously called Ravindra Jadeja a “bits and pieces” cricketer. This comment drew a sharp retort from Jadeja on social media, highlighting the tension between the commentator and some active players. While not directly about Kohli, it set a precedent for Manjrekar’s blunt assessments.
• Criticism of Kohli’s Technique: Manjrekar has previously been vocal about Kohli’s struggles with the outside-off delivery, stating that despite a great career, Kohli hadn’t consistently found a way to “tackle” this particular weakness. Even after Kohli’s retirement, the recent remark during Day 1’s play suggests that Manjrekar continues to subtly highlight this aspect of his game, even when praising others.
• Omission in Praise: On several occasions, particularly after big Indian victories, fans have accused Manjrekar of downplaying Kohli’s contributions or omitting his name from congratulatory posts, leading to accusations of a “Mumbai lobby” or personal agenda.

The latest comment during the England Test, made while contrasting the discipline of new-generation batsmen with a “former batter,” particularly resonated given Kohli’s recent retirement. Fans expressed dismay that even in his absence from the game, Kohli continues to be subjected to what they see as unnecessary digs from the commentary box.

While commentators are expected to provide incisive analysis, the consistency and nature of Manjrekar’s remarks concerning Virat Kohli have led many to question whether his observations are purely analytical or influenced by a deeper-seated bias. As the Headingley Test progresses, the spotlight remains not just on the action in the middle but also on the words emanating from the commentary box.