Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes batting superstar Virat Kohli is far more aware of criticism around him than he publicly admits. Speaking on Sportstar’s Insight Edge Podcast, Manjrekar said Kohli is “very sensitive” to outside opinions despite repeatedly claiming that he ignores external noise.
Manjrekar recalled an incident from Kohli’s captaincy days when the former India skipper appeared unusually distant during a toss interaction, making him feel that Kohli may have heard criticism directed at him.
“That is very important to him (privacy). But somebody who is also very sensitive to criticism. I think he gets to know about what’s being said about him because I’ve had an experience with him as a captain and player. 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 said.
However, the former India batter added that Kohli’s sensitivity to criticism could actually work in his favour, as it often motivates him to perform better and silence detractors with big scores.
“So he’s one of those guys who kept saying, ‘We don’t care about what people say.’ But he’s also very sensitive. Maybe it’s a good thing as well because if he hears criticism or something negative, that just spurs him on to get that next big hundred,” Manjrekar added.
Kohli has frequently responded to pressure and criticism throughout his career with match-winning performances, a trait that has helped him remain one of modern cricket’s most consistent batters across formats.
