Sanjay Manjrekar splits up with Rohit Sharma; befriends Virat Kohli

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his perspective on veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Sanjay Manjrekar stated that Rohit Sharma is not in the same league as Virat Kohli, and highlighted the contrast in their careers.

The veteran batters have been under scrutiny following underwhelming performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit has managed just 31 runs across three matches at a dismal average of 6.20, without a half-century. Meanwhile, Kohli has scored 167 runs in seven innings at an average of 27.83.

Rohit Sharma Is Not Quite in the League of Virat Kohli - Sanjay Manjrekar

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized that Virat is an Indian batting great, while Rohit is more of a white-ball specialist with a few notable performances, especially in home conditions. Manjrekar added that Rohit doesn't belong to the same league as Kohli.

"Yes, but I just want to remind everyone that Rohit Sharma is not quite in the league of Virat Kohli. Virat Kohli is an Indian batting great, with a much greater body of work. Rohit Sharma is more of a white-ball batting great, who's had a few good tours and series as a batter, mostly at home," Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.

Rohit's Problems Are There for Everyone to See - Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar questioned whether there is any hope for a final impactful performance from Rohit in the upcoming Test. He stated that the decision about Sharma's inclusion in the team should not be left to the player. Manjrekar added that the selectors must prioritize Indian cricket.

"Rohit Sharma's problems are there for everyone to see. Now one has to imagine whether there’s any hope at all, and if we can expect one final flourish in the last Test. That decision shouldn't be left to the individual—I really think it’s the selector’s job," Manjrekar added.

"They have to think of Indian cricket and assess whether there’s any sense in having Rohit Sharma for the next Test match. If you believe there’s something left, then they can continue in the same direction."

There's Enough Evidence to Keep Supporting Virat Kohli - Sanjay Manjrekar

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Virat Kohli has shown enough evidence to continue receiving support. However, Manjrekar emphasized that Virat should address his recurring issues with dismissals. He noted that Kohli showed signs of improvement by leaving deliveries outside the off-stump.

"As for Virat Kohli, there’s enough evidence to keep supporting him, but it’s time he not only gets runs but also gets out differently to show he’s overcome that problem. He seemed to be doing so in the first innings by leaving all those balls outside the off-stump," Manjrekar concluded.

Team India is currently 1-2 in the ongoing Test series in Australia. The final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney, starting on Friday, January 3. India will be hoping to win the upcoming match to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and keep their hopes alive to reach the WTC 2025 final.