Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his perspective on veteran batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli ahead of the fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Sanjay Manjrekar claimed that Rohit Sharma is not in the same league as Virat Kohli and highlighted the contrast in their careers.

The senior batsmen have been under scrutiny after disappointing performances in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Rohit has managed only 31 runs in three matches at a dismal average of 6.20, with no half-centuries. Meanwhile, Kohli scored 167 runs in seven innings at an average of 27.83.

Rohit Sharma not quite in Virat Kohli’s league – Sanjay Manjrekar

Speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Sanjay Manjrekar emphasized that Virat is a great Indian batsman while Rohit is more of a white-ball specialist with some notable performances, especially at home. Manjrekar added that Rohit is not in the same league as Kohli.

“Yes, but I just want to remind everyone that Rohit Sharma is not in Virat Kohli’s league. Virat Kohli is a great Indian batsman, with a much bigger job. Rohit Sharma is more of a great white-ball batsman, who has had some good tours and series as a batsman, mainly at home,” Manjrekar told ESPNCricinfo.

Rohit’s problems are there for all to see – Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar questioned whether there is any hope of a shocking final performance from Rohit in the upcoming Test. He stated that the decision on Sharma’s inclusion in the team should not be left to the player. Manjrekar added that the selectors must prioritize Indian cricket.

“Rohit Sharma’s problems are there for everyone to see. Now one has to imagine if there is any hope and if we can expect a final flourish in the final Test. That decision should not be left to the individual; I really believe it is work of the coach,” Manjrekar added.

“They have to think about Indian cricket and assess whether there is any point in having Rohit Sharma for the next Test match. If they think there is something left, then they can continue in the same direction.”

There is enough evidence to continue supporting Virat Kohli – Sanjay Manjrekar

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Virat Kohli has shown enough evidence to continue receiving support. However, Manjrekar emphasized that Virat should address his recurring issues with layoffs. He noted that Kohli showed signs of improvement by leaving deliveries outside off stump.

“As for Virat Kohli, there is enough evidence to continue supporting him, but it is time for him to not only get runs but also come out differently to show that he has overcome that problem. He seemed to be doing that in the first innings by leaving all those balls out. the stump,” concluded Manjrekar.

Team India is currently 1-2 in the ongoing Test series in Australia. The final Test will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney, starting Friday, January 3. India will hope to win the next match to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and keep their hopes alive of reaching the WTC 2025 final.