Vikas Kohli, the brother of Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli, has launched a fierce defence of the former captain, taking aim at critics he believes use Virat's name to stay in the limelight. The sharp social media post has reignited debate around Kohli's recent decision to step away from Test cricket.
Vikas Kohli's Fiery Social Media Retort
Without directly naming anyone, Vikas Kohli posted a pointed message on the platform Threads that quickly went viral. He wrote in Hindi, "SEEMS LIKE LOGON KI DAAL ROTI NAHI CHALTI. BINA VIRAT KOHLI KA NAAM LIYE HUE," which translates to "It seems like people cannot run their houses without taking Virat Kohli's name." This remark was widely seen by fans and followers as a direct response to the recent wave of criticism directed at his brother.
The timing of the post led many to connect it to comments made by former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. Earlier in the week, Manjrekar had expressed his disappointment over Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket. He suggested that the batting maestro could have shown greater determination by trying to regain his peak red-ball form instead of concluding his Test journey.
The Context: Manjrekar's Comments and Fan Backlash
Sanjay Manjrekar's analysis, questioning Kohli's resolve, did not sit well with the cricketer's massive fan base. It triggered strong reactions across social media platforms. Vikas Kohli's post is perceived as a firm family rebuttal to what supporters deemed as unnecessary and harsh criticism of a player who has given his all for Indian cricket.
While the online debate rages, Virat Kohli himself remains entirely focused on his current cricketing commitments. The 37-year-old is deep in preparation for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on Sunday in Vadodara.
Virat Kohli's Form and Focus on New Zealand ODIs
Kohli arrived in Vadodara on January 7, where his presence drew massive crowds at the airport, necessitating heightened security. He enters the series in spectacular ODI form, fresh from being the Player of the Series against South Africa. In that series, he amassed 302 runs, which included back-to-back centuries.
His rhythm was further confirmed by a return to domestic cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after nearly 15 years, where he scored 131 against Andhra and 77 versus Gujarat. Now exclusively playing ODI cricket, Kohli has begun his net sessions in Vadodara and will aim to extend his brilliant run of form against the Black Caps.
The off-field chatter seems to be a distant noise for the champion batter, whose eyes are firmly set on contributing to another Indian victory in the upcoming ODI contest.
