'Easy to talk about...': Virat Kohli's brother hits back at Sanjay Manjrekar over strike-rate comment

IPL 2025: Virat Kohli's brother slams Sanjay Manjrekar. (BCCI/PTI Photo)

Vikas Kohli, Virat Kohli's brother, made fun of former Indian cricket team batsman Sanjay Manjrekar on social media. Amidst the ongoing IPL 2025, Manjrekar's numerous social media remarks regarding Royal Challengers Bengaluru have already generated controversy.

Following the RCB vs Mumbai Indians game, Manjrekar said the match between Virat and Bumrah is no longer a "best vs. best" contest. Even though the RCB star batter is now the greatest run-getter in this edition, he disregarded Virat's name when selecting the top 10 batters for the IPL 2025, claiming that the player is past his peak.

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Vikas made fun of the former cricket player on the social media site Threads. "Sanjay manjrekar. Career ODI strike rate : 64:31. Easy to talk about 200 plus strike rates," wrote Vikas.

Kohli previously emphasized the value of stitching partnerships in Twenty20 cricket, particularly on surfaces where it is impossible to heave the willow from the outset.

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The slower pitches used in the IPL so far have prevented the hitters from getting off to a fast start. But players like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli have thrived in difficult batting circumstances.

Against the Delhi Capitals on Sunday, Kohli scored his sixth half-century in ten IPL innings, assisting RCB in extending their winning streak away from home.

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"It was a top win, especially looking at the surface. We saw a few games here and this wicket played out differently compared to those. Whenever there's a chase on, I keep checking with the dugout, whether we're on course," Kohli, who played a second-fiddle to Krunal Pandya, said after the win.

In his explanation of his batting approach, Kohli stated that he assesses the situation and modifies his style of play appropriately.

"(What) the total (is) on the board. What the conditions are like. Who are the bowlers that are due to bowl. Who are the bowlers that are going to be hard to get away," Kohli explained when asked how he plans the chase.

"I try and make sure my singles and doubles don't stop so that the game doesn't get stagnant. People are forgetting the importance of partnerships and that's coming to the fore in this tournament to try and dominate the bowlers through partnerships and professionalism."

After initially finding it difficult to get going, Krunal ultimately scored his maiden IPL fifty in nine years.

"Krunal was outstanding, he can make an impact and it was just about time. We've communicated beautifully, Krunal kept telling me to stay while he took his chances," said Kohli.

Tim David hit 19 runs off of just five balls to score the winning runs after Kohli was out.

Talking about the finishers, Kohli said: "We have the extra power in Tim David, there's Jitesh as well. That firepower at the back end of the innings definitely helps you. And now Romario as well."

Additionally, he commended Suyash Sharma and Krunal, a low-profile spin combination.

"Hazlewood and Bhuvi are world-class bowlers, there's a reason why Josh has the Purple Cap. Krunal was outstanding the way he varied his pace. Suyash has been the dark horse for us, even if he doesn't have the wickets. Our spinners keep attacking in the middle overs."