'Hasn't won World Cup since 2011': Did Virat Kohli choose to play 'easiest format'? Shubman Gill gives verdict on Sanjay Manjrekar's comment

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently triggered debate with a strong remark on Virat Kohli, saying the former India captain had stepped away from Test cricket and chosen what he called an easier path by continuing only in ODIs.

"I just feel sad that people like Joe Root and Steve Smith, Kane Williamson are really making a name for themselves in Test Cricket. It was okay, Virat Kohli just walked away from cricket, retired from all cricket. But that he's chosen to play one day cricket actually disappoints me more, because this is a format which for a top-order batter, I've said before as well, is the easiest format," Manjrekar had said a few days ago.




Manjrekar’s view that ODI cricket is the easiest format has led to mixed reactions, especially with a three-match ODI series against New Zealand set to begin in Baroda on Sunday, January 11. India captain Shubman Gill responded to the discussion by pointing out that results do not support the idea that any format is easy.

"I don't think any format is easy. If you look at it, the Indian cricket team hasn't won a World Cup since 2011, so if it was that, he would be winning (the) World Cup every second year. It's easy to say, but I don't think any format is easy, it requires a lot of resilience and a lot of persistence and a lot of determination to be able to win big ICC tournaments," Gill said.

Gill also spoke about the role of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team. Addressing the media ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand, Gill described Rohit as one of the greatest openers in ODI cricket and Kohli as one of the greatest ODI batters.

The India ODI captain said having the two senior players in the side helps the leadership group, particularly during difficult phases in a match.

"Among the two players you have named, one is one of the greatest openers (Rohit) of all time in ODIs, and Virat bhai is one of the greatest ODI batsmen ever. So definitely, having these two people in your team makes your life a lot easier, and whenever you are in a challenging situation, you can go to them for input. Because they have often been in those situations, you can go to them to see how they think or what they would do. That piece of information is very valuable for any captain," Gill said.

India will begin the three-match ODI series against a new-look New Zealand side on Sunday, with Kohli and Rohit expected to play key roles as the hosts look to start the series on a positive note.


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