Sanjay Manjrekar Questions Virat Kohli's Suitability as RCB Captain
Kohli captained RCB from 2013 until 2021, leading the team to its only final appearance in 2016. Although his batting numbers experienced a significant dip between 2020 and 2022, he rebounded impressively in the past two seasons, scoring over 600 runs and winning the Orange Cap in 2024 with a strike rate of 154.70.
As Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) prepares for the IPL 2025 mega auction with only three players retained, speculation has arisen about the potential return of Virat Kohli as the franchise captain. However, former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed reservations about this possibility, urging fans to evaluate Kohli's captaincy prospects beyond his status as a cricketing icon.
Manjrekar, discussing the situation on Star Sports' IPL retention program, highlighted that many fans support Kohli's return to the captaincy simply due to his celebrity status. He stated, "Just because he is Virat Kohli, 95 percent fans want him to be the captain. But if you just go by his performances, it is not that impressive." This statement underscores his belief that hero worship should not cloud judgment regarding Kohli's current form and effectiveness as a leader.
Challenging fans to consider a hypothetical scenario, Manjrekar asked, "If instead of Virat Kohli, there was someone else, and you just remove Virat Kohli from your mind, and just look at his performance in the IPL, his batting and captaincy performance. Then do you think it is the right decision to make him the captain?" His comments reflect a desire for a more objective analysis of Kohli's recent contributions to the team.
Kohli captained RCB from 2013 until 2021, leading the team to its only final appearance in 2016. Although his batting numbers experienced a significant dip between 2020 and 2022, he rebounded impressively in the past two seasons, scoring over 600 runs and winning the Orange Cap in 2024 with a strike rate of 154.70.
After stepping down as captain in 2022, Kohli passed the leadership baton to Faf du Plessis. However, with du Plessis not being retained, the possibility of Kohli resuming the captaincy has been a hot topic.
Manjrekar's critique raises important questions about leadership suitability, performance consistency, and the role of sentiment in cricket, especially in a franchise setting where winning is paramount. As RCB navigates the auction and strategizes for the upcoming season, the decision on captaincy will be crucial for the team's future.
