IPL 2025: Virat Kohli-Sai Sudharsan fail to make the cut for Sanjay Manjrekar's 'only list that matters'

IPL 2025: Virat Kohli fails to make the cut for Sanjay Manjrekar's 'only list that matters' (BCCI/PTI Photo)

The ongoing edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed intense competition with the Top 3 teams (GT, DC, and RCB) level on 12 points and only separated by the net run-rate. In addition, the number four spot on the table too has witnessed epic competition with three more franchises (MI, PBKS, LSG) securing 10 points each and placed respectively in the standings. The remaining four franchises (KKR, SRH, RR, CSK) are slightly behind in the race with the first two teams mentioned in the bracket being levelled on 6 points, and the last two securing four points each.

Looking at how the action has unfold, former India cricketer-turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar compiled a list of batters, which doesn't feature current Orange Cap holder Sai Sudharsan and talismanic cricketer Virat Kohli, who too is enjoying supreme form. Sudharsan has accumulated 417 runs from 8 matches and Kohli, placed second among the batters with most runs in IPL 2025, has 392 runs under his name but has played a game extra.

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However, in terms of strike-rate Sudharsan and Kohli are lagging behind, due to which the duo didn't feature in Manjrekar's list, which he feels "matters" the most in terms of batting. Sudharsan has scored runs at a strike-rate of slightly over 150, while Kohli has a strike-rate of 144.11.

When it comes to batting only list that matters.Big runs with great SR so far.Pooran : 377 runs SR 205Priyansh Arya : 254 runs SR 202Shreyas : 263 runs SR 185Surya : 373 runs SR 167Buttler : 356 runs SR 166Mitchell Marsh : 344 runs SR 161Travis Head: 261 runs SR
Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) April 26, 2025

As per Manjrekar's batting list, Nicholas Pooran sits right at the top with the strike-rate of 205 and is followed by Priyansh Arya, who too has struck the ball with a strike-rate of over 200. Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Jos Buttler, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Heinrich Klaasen, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill are the other names mentioned in the list.

While strike-rate is an important element in T20 cricket, Sudharsan and Kohli have been the backbone behind the success of their respective franchises. Both players have dug deep at one end, allowing their partners to explode, which in return has helped the team's cause.