When it comes to cricket, opinions are never in short supply. However, when such views come from a former cricketer, they tend to grab attention and quickly go viral. Something similar unfolded after Sanjay Manjrekar remarked that the ODI format is an “easy” one. His comment sparked debate across social media, prompting former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh to step in. Coming out strongly in support of Virat Kohli, Harbhajan delivered a befitting reply to Manjrekar’s remark, defending Kohli and his achievements in the format.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s ‘ODIs are an easy format’ remark sparks fresh debate around Virat Kohli
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar recently found himself at the centre of a heated debate after suggesting that the ODI format is comparatively “easy” for top-order batters, a remark that many linked directly to Virat Kohli. The discussion gained traction as Kohli, who retired from T20Is in 2024 and Test cricket the following year, continues to dominate in one-day internationals.
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While the star batter has kept piling on runs in ODIs, Manjrekar’s comments questioned the difficulty level of the format and reignited conversations around Kohli’s choice to step away from Tests.
Manjrekar explained his viewpoint by drawing a clear contrast between Test and ODI cricket.
“A lot of people have asked me why I keep saying ODI cricket is easy for top-order batters.”
He urged fans to look back at Indian cricket history to understand his argument.
“They were not very keen to open in Test cricket or bat in the top three. They were very happy to play at No. 4, 5, 6.”
According to Manjrekar, this itself reflects the difference in difficulty between the two formats.
Further elaborating on the technical aspects, Manjrekar pointed to field placements and bowling intent.
“Come one-day cricket, they were almost desperate to bat in the top three and open.”
Explaining why the format favours batters, he added,
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“There’s no four slips and a gully.”
He also claimed that bowlers in ODIs approach their spells differently, stating that they are “not really coming in to get you out.”
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The comments quickly triggered widespread debate across social media, with fans and former cricketers offering contrasting views. While some agreed with Manjrekar’s technical breakdown, others felt the remarks undermined the level of skill and consistency required to succeed in ODI cricket. One sharp reply came from none other than Harbhajan Singh.
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Harbhajan Singh defends Virat Kohli, calls for enjoying greatness beyond format debates
Harbhajan Singh came out strongly in support of Virat Kohli, offering a measured yet firm response to Sanjay Manjrekar’s remarks on the ODI format. The former India spinner stressed that greatness in cricket cannot be reduced to debates about formats, urging fans and experts alike to appreciate performances for what they truly are. According to Harbhajan, Kohli’s impact on the game goes far beyond whether he plays one format or multiple.
Questioning the idea that scoring runs in any format is “easy,” Harbhajan highlighted the difference between theory and reality.
“If it was so easy to score runs in any format, then everyone would have made it.”
He underlined that consistent performances at the highest level demand skill, discipline, and mental strength. Emphasising what truly matters, he added,
“Let’s just enjoy what people are doing. They are playing well, winning games, scoring runs, and taking wickets. That’s all that matters.”
Harbhajan also dismissed the notion that a player’s legacy should be judged by the number of formats they play.
“It doesn’t matter who plays which format.”
Reiterating Kohli’s stature, he said,
“Virat, whether he plays in one format or all formats, has been a fantastic player and a big-time match-winner for India.”
His words served as a reminder of Kohli’s consistent ability to deliver under pressure and influence results.
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Wrapping up his response, Harbhajan placed the debate in a broader perspective, focusing on the sport’s future.
“They inspire the next generation.”
Acknowledging differing opinions, he remarked,
“Manjrekar has his own way of thinking.”
However, Harbhajan made his stance clear, stating,
“The way I see it is that Virat and these players have played a major role to take this game forward.”
His comments resonated as a befitting reply, shifting the focus from format-based criticism to celebrating cricketing excellence.
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India’s ODI battle with New Zealand adds real-time relevance
India are currently locked in a competitive three-match ODI series against New Zealand. In the opening game at Vadodara, India clinched a thrilling four-wicket win thanks to a superb 93-run knock from Virat Kohli, laying down a marker early in the contest.
However, New Zealand fought back in Rajkot, chasing down India’s 284 with a commanding century from Daryl Mitchell to level the series 1-1. As the finale approaches, Kohli’s form and India’s fight on the field continue to underline that performances in ODIs remain fiercely competitive — just as Harbhajan Singh urged fans to simply enjoy great cricket, regardless of format.
What are your thoughts on the words exchanged between Sanjay Manjrekar and Harbhajan Singh? Do share your views in the comments below.
