Just days before India’s high-stakes ODI series against New Zealand, a family defense has turned into a national talking point. Virat Kohli’s elder brother, Vikas Kohli, has launched a fiery rebuttal at critics who, he claims, exploit Virat’s fame for their own relevance—famously quipping, “Daal roti nahi chalti …” (You can’t make a living) without dropping his superstar sibling’s name .
The comment comes in the wake of recent critiques from former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, who questioned aspects of Kohli’s Test career legacy. But with the Virat Kohli New Zealand ODIs just around the corner, the focus is now squarely on his current form—and his family’s fierce loyalty. Is this just emotional support, or does it reflect a deeper frustration with how modern cricket stars are judged? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
- The Controversy: Kohli’s Brother Hits Back
- What Sparked the Debate? Sanjay Manjrekar’s Comments
- Virat Kohli’s Current Form: A Resurgence in White-Ball Cricket
- Preview of the Virat Kohli New Zealand ODIs Series
- The Pressure on Indian Cricketers in the Social Media Age
- Why Family Defense Matters in Modern Cricket
- Conclusion: Focus on the Game, Not the Noise
- Sources
The Controversy: Kohli’s Brother Hits Back
Vikas Kohli, who has largely stayed away from the media spotlight, broke his silence in a candid social media post. Without naming anyone directly, he targeted a segment of commentators and so-called experts who, he alleges, build their careers by constantly analyzing—and often criticizing—his brother.
“People need to understand that not every opinion adds value,” Vikas reportedly said. “Some folks can’t even get a basic meal (daal roti) unless they attach Virat’s name to their content. It’s opportunism, not analysis.”
The remark quickly went viral, resonating with millions of Kohli fans who feel their idol is held to an impossibly high standard—even after delivering consistent performances for over a decade.
What Sparked the Debate? Sanjay Manjrekar’s Comments
While Vikas didn’t name names, the timing points squarely to veteran commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. In a recent podcast, Manjrekar offered a nuanced but critical take on Kohli’s Test captaincy and legacy, suggesting that despite his batting brilliance, his leadership record in overseas Tests—particularly in ICC finals—leaves room for debate .
Manjrekar, known for his unfiltered opinions, has previously clashed with Kohli. His latest remarks, though analytical, were interpreted by many as dismissive of Kohli’s immense contributions. This ignited a fresh wave of online debate, prompting Vikas to step in.
Virat Kohli’s Current Form: A Resurgence in White-Ball Cricket
Amid all the noise, let’s not lose sight of the facts on the field. Virat Kohli is in exceptional form heading into the Virat Kohli New Zealand ODIs.
In his last 10 ODI innings, he’s averaged over 65, including two centuries and three fifties . His strike rate has also improved, showing a more balanced approach between accumulation and acceleration. At 37, many expected a decline—but Kohli is defying time, much like his contemporary, Rohit Sharma.
This form is crucial. With the 2027 ODI World Cup on the horizon, India needs its core batters firing. Kohli’s consistency remains the bedrock of the middle order.
Preview of the Virat Kohli New Zealand ODIs Series
The upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand (starting January 18, 2026) is more than just a bilateral contest. It’s a litmus test for both teams as they fine-tune strategies ahead of major ICC events.
Key Matchups to Watch:
- Kohli vs. Trent Boult: A classic battle of bat and swing. Boult has dismissed Kohli 8 times in ODIs—the most by any Kiwi bowler .
- Middle Order Stability: Can India’s No. 4–6 batsmen convert starts into big scores?
- Pace Attack Depth: With Jasprit Bumrah rested, can the young quicks handle Kane Williamson’s masterclass?
For fantasy cricket enthusiasts, Kohli remains a top pick. For more insights, check out our [INTERNAL_LINK:fantasy_cricket_tips_nz_series].
The Pressure on Indian Cricketers in the Social Media Age
Today’s cricketers operate under a microscope. Every dot ball, every dropped catch, is dissected in real-time across Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The line between constructive criticism and personal attack has blurred.
According to a 2025 study by the International Cricket Council (ICC), 78% of elite players report increased mental stress due to online commentary and media narratives . Kohli himself has spoken openly about battling depression during a rough patch in 2019—a reminder that behind the stats are human beings.
Why Family Defense Matters in Modern Cricket
When a player’s family speaks up, it’s not just about loyalty—it’s a signal that the pressure has crossed a threshold. From MS Dhoni’s sister defending him to Yuvraj Singh’s father battling media narratives during his cancer treatment, family interventions often mark a turning point in public perception.
Vikas’s words may seem emotional, but they highlight a systemic issue: the commodification of athlete criticism. In an era where outrage drives clicks, genuine analysis is often drowned out.
Conclusion: Focus on the Game, Not the Noise
As the Virat Kohli New Zealand ODIs begin, fans and critics alike should let the bat do the talking. Kohli’s legacy isn’t defined by a single commentator’s take or a viral quote—it’s written in runs, records, and relentless passion for the game. Whether you’re a fan or a skeptic, one thing is certain: when Kohli walks out to bat, the world watches. And that, in itself, is a testament to his greatness.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘Daal roti nahi chalti …’: Kohli’s brother hits back at critics
- ESPNcricinfo Podcast: Sanjay Manjrekar on Virat Kohli’s Test Legacy
- ESPNcricinfo Statsguru: Virat Kohli ODI Batting Record (Last 10 Innings)
- ICC Head-to-Head Database: Kohli vs Boult in ODIs
- ICC Player Wellbeing Report 2025 (Public Summary)