Ex-India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes criticism affects Virat Kohli deeply as he pays close attention to public opinions. Despite Kohli often insisting that outside noise hardly influences him, Manjrekar said the former India captain was aware of negative remarks and occasionally showed his displeasure when criticism came his way.
Virat Kohli takes criticism positively
However, Manjrekar also added that Kohli took criticism positively, using it as extra motivation to deliver big performances and score centuries on the field.
“That is very important to him (staying private). But somebody who is also very sensitive to criticism. Yeah, yeah, he, I think, gets to know about what’s being said about him, because I’ve had an experience with him as a captain and player. And suddenly one day I would find him very cold at the toss or whatever, and I would think, perhaps he heard something that was being said about him,” Manjrekar revealed on Sportstar’s Insight Edge Podcast.
Manjrekar further said, “So he’s one of those 1st guys who kept saying, you know, we don’t care about what people say and why, so he’s also very sensitive. But maybe it’s a good thing as well that if he hears that kind of criticism or something negative, that will just spur him on to get that next big hundred,” he added.
Sanjay Manjrekar praised Virat Kohli, the Test captain
Currently representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026, Virat Kohli has endured an inconsistent campaign so far. He has amassed a total of 379 runs in 11 matches, but his back-to-back ducks have raised some concern within the RCB management, heading into the tournament.
Sanjay Manjrekar also showered praise on Kohli’s impact as a Test captain, highlighting his ability to keep the team motivated even in difficult situations. Under Kohli’s leadership, India emerged as a dominant force both at home and overseas, with his aggressive approach and intensity becoming a defining feature of the side.
“The thing to like about him as captain was when things went flat, when he knew he wouldn’t be able to get a wicket on the pitch that he had in the bowling resources. He would still make sure the team was driven and that there was the energy of the field, and he made them believe things would happen. I think that was his great strength,” said Manjrekar.
“I’ve always believed that the team wears the look of the captain. Under Virat Kohli, every player had to be like Virat Kohli. If anyone went out there and looked a little flat, they would not be playing the next test match. So everybody responded to Virat’s aggression,” he added.
Meanwhile, Kohli will be next be seen in action against the Kolkata Knight Riders on May 13 in Raipur, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru look to maintain their winning momentum and retain the top spot in the points table.
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