Virat Kohli has spent over a decade carrying Indian cricket on his shoulders, delivering match-winning performances across formats while constantly being under public scrutiny. Even as he scales back his international commitments, conversations around his choices never seem to stop.
On Thursday, Virat Kohli’s brother Vikas Kohli added fuel to that conversation with a cryptic post on Threads. Without naming anyone, Vikas hinted that some people’s relevance and livelihood depend on constantly bringing up Virat Kohli’s name. The timing of the post immediately caught attention, as Virat is set to return to international cricket in a three-match ODI series against New Zealand later this week.
Vikas Kohli wrote, “SEEMS LIKE LOGON KI DAAL ROTI NAHI CHALTI…. BINA VIRAT KOHLI KA NAAM LIYE HUE….”
Although the message did not mention any individual, it quickly sparked speculation on social media. Many linked it to recent remarks made by former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who had openly expressed disappointment over Virat Kohli’s decision to retire from Test cricket. Manjrekar suggested earlier this week that the former India captain could have shown more perseverance by trying to regain his red-ball form instead of stepping away from the format.
Virat Kohli currently plays only ODIs, having retired from T20 internationals in 2024 and Tests last year. His decisions have drawn mixed reactions, with fans largely defending his right to choose his path, while some former players have questioned the timing of his exits.
Vikas Kohli’s post was widely seen as a firm response to what many fans felt was unnecessary criticism of Virat’s career choices. The message quickly reignited debates online about how often the star batter’s name is used to drive opinions and discussions.
Away from the noise, Virat Kohli remains focused on cricket. He is preparing for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which begins on Sunday, January 11, in Vadodara. He arrived in the city on January 7, drawing massive crowds at the airport and prompting increased security arrangements.
Virat Kohli enters the series in outstanding ODI form. He was named Player of the Series against South Africa after scoring 302 runs, which included back-to-back centuries. His recent return to domestic cricket in the Vijay Hazare Trophy after nearly 15 years further underlined his rhythm, with a commanding 131 against Andhra Pradesh followed by a solid 77 against Gujarat.
As Virat Kohli gears up to take the field once again, the spotlight remains firmly on him – both for his bat and for the conversations that continue to surround his legacy.
