Harbhajan Singh delivered a sharp response to Sanjay Manjrekar’s suggestion that Virat Kohli continues playing ODIs because the format is “easy” for top-order batters. The former India spinner defended Kohli’s decision to remain active in one-day cricket after retiring from T20Is in 2024 and Tests in 2025, saying fans should simply enjoy what the star batter is doing rather than questioning his format choices.

Manjrekar’s controversial claim about ODI cricket

Sanjay Manjrekar stirred debate by claiming that ODI cricket is easier for top-order batters compared to Test cricket, pointing out that many Indian middle-order Test batters over the years preferred opening in ODIs. In an Instagram video, Manjrekar explained his reasoning by saying batters were “almost desperate” to bat in the top three in ODIs while being content with positions four, five, or six in Tests.

“The first advantage you get when you are opening in 50-overs cricket or batting at No. 3, there’s no four slips and a gully. And you know when a bowler is running in, he’s not really coming in to get you out. He’s just trying to make sure you don’t get 10-15 runs an over,” Manjrekar said. His comments were seen as a dig at Kohli, who retired from Tests after struggling for form but continues to pile up runs in ODIs.

Harbhajan’s strong defence of Kohli

Harbhajan Singh rejected Manjrekar’s logic completely, saying that if scoring runs in any format was truly easy, everyone would be doing it. The veteran off-spinner emphasized that people should appreciate what players like Kohli are achieving rather than diminishing their accomplishments based on format difficulty.

“If it was so easy to score runs in any format, then everyone would have made it. Let’s just enjoy what people are doing. They are playing well, winning games, scoring runs, and taking wickets. That’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter who plays which format,” Harbhajan said. He added that Kohli has been a fantastic player and a big-time match winner for India, inspiring the next generation regardless of which formats he chooses to play.

Different perspectives on Kohli’s career choices

Harbhajan wrapped up his response by acknowledging that Manjrekar has his own way of thinking, but made it clear that he sees Kohli and other senior players as having played a major role in taking Indian cricket forward. The debate highlights the ongoing discussion around Kohli’s retirement decisions, with some questioning his timing and format choices while others defend his right to manage his career as he sees fit. Kohli’s recent form in ODIs, including his match-winning knocks, continues to prove his value in the 50-over format.