- By Vishal Pushkar
- Fri, 23 Jan 2026 12:29 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Despite India failing to secure the series against New Zealand recently, the talismanic batter Virat Kohli continued to excel in the only format in which he represents India. Notably, Kohli bid adieu to the Test format in 2025, calling curtains on a spectacular red-ball career. There were several speculations as to why he decided to retire from Test Cricket. However, one claim from former India Cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar caught everyone's attention, where he stated that Kohli left Tests to play an ‘easier format’, i.e., ODIs.
However, former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary made his disagreements clear with Manjrekar regarding this claim.
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In a conversation with Insidesport, Tiway said, “I don’t agree with him. Usko majboor kiya gaya tha. An atmosphere was created such that he had to say goodbye to Tests. He isn’t someone who would just decide on his own to leave."
“Yes, the decision came from his mouth, but everyone knows what happened behind the scenes. After knowing everything, how can you say he left the hardest format to play the easiest one just for runs?" Tiwary lashed out at Manjrekar.
Kohli's Stellar Form
Amidst all the noise around the 37-year-old, Kohli continued to reign in ODI Cricket as he slammed his 85th International hundred (108-ball 124) featuring 10 fours and three sixes. Also, it was Kohli's 54th ODI ton, a record-extending one.
This was his seventh ODI ton against New Zealand in 36 innings, the most by a batter against the Kiwis in the format. Also, his 10 centuries against NZ across all formats, including three in Tests, are the most by a batter against the Kiwis.
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Also, he went past Australian icon Ricky Ponting (12,655 runs) for most runs in ODI cricket at number three. In 244 matches and innings at that spot, he has made 12,676 runs at an average of 61.53, with 47 centuries and 67 fifties and a best score of 183.
Inputs from Agency