Sanjay Manjrekar destroys Virat Kohli's reputation even after Mumbai heroics

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked fresh debate on social media with a bold dig seemingly aimed at none other than Virat Kohli. Without mentioning Virat Kohli, Sanjay Manjrekar has pointed out that the Indian fans and media are obsessed with big names rather than actual match-winning performances.

In a fiery social media post that ignited a fresh controversy in the ongoing IPL 2025, the cricket pundit said that it's time to stop glorifying big names and brands and start recognizing real performances on the field.

Sanjay Manjrekar targets Virat Kohli once again as he slams fan obsession with big names

Manjrekar has expressed his frustration with the constant spotlight on the biggest brand names, like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, even when others are outshining them on the field in the IPL.

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It was a veiled attack on Kohli’s continued adoration, especially when players like Nicholas Pooran quietly took the ongoing IPL 2025 by storm. With explosive knocks and consistent match-defining innings, Pooran has emerged as the true batting force in IPL 2025.

The Lucknow Super Giants' batting powerhouse has been smashing bowlers to all corners this season and consistently turning games around with its power hitting. Pooran is currently the leading run scorer with 288 runs in just five matches at an amazing average of 72 and a strike rate of 225.

Read Also: "More People Will Watch PSL Than IPL"- Hasan Ali Goes Crazy

Sanjay Manjrekar declares Nicholas Pooran the real game-changer

The West Indies star has been instrumental in Lucknow Super Giants’ three victories from five games so far in the tournament. While others have soaked up the limelight with big names and bigger endorsements, Manjrekar feels Pooran is not getting the limelight that he deserves.

Sanjay Manjrekar posted on his X handle: “We have a tendency to focus on the big brands more than the big performances. So, when it comes to sheer performance, Nicholas Pooran has been the best batter this IPL by a country mile! 👏👏👏 #LSGvKKR”

We have a tendency to focus on the big brands more than the big performances. So when it comes to sheer performance, Nicholas Pooran has been the best batter this IPL by a country mile! 👏👏👏#LSGvKKR

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 9, 2025

Manjrekar’s words have sparked fierce debates among fans on social media, with many slamming the commentator for his unnecessary attack on Kohli, while some trolling him for trying to get attention with such remarks. However, some felt it was a genuine call to celebrate the real performers.

Well, Kohli has so far amassed 164 runs with the help of two fifties in four games for the Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the last season, the former India and RCB captain was the leading run scorer and had won the Orange Cap, but in this season, he is yet to show his true colors.

Read Also: "MS Dhoni had 3 sixes in 12 balls"- CSK ripped apart brutally by New Zealand veteran after PBKS loss

John Cena shows admiration for Virat Kohli

Meanwhile, WWE superstar John Cena once again grabbed the attention of Indian fans by sharing a picture of cricket icon Virat Kohli on his Instagram story. The post came shortly after Kohli was seen flashing his T20 World Cup ring and playfully doing Cena’s famous ‘you can’t see me’ gesture ahead of RCB’s IPL 2025 match against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium.

VIRAT KOHLI - THE BOX OFFICE CHARACTER. 🐐

- King Kohli with his T20 World Cup Winning Ring and doing John Cena's move. 😀❤️pic.twitter.com/dFSUJWGNph

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) April 6, 2025

Notably, Kohli will be next seen in action on April 9 when RCB will take on Delhi Capitals in their next IPL 2025 match in Delhi, while Cena is gearing up for a historic showdown in the Undisputed WWE Championship at WrestleMania 41 in Nevada on April 20.

Also Read: Sanjay Manjrekar drags Ravindra Jadeja in latest post amid CSK’s IPL 2025 struggles