'Very sensitive to criticism': Sanjay Manjrekar contradicts Virat Kohli's nonchalant public persona

There have been certain times during Kohli’s captaincy for India when the interaction between both was seen to be a little "cold" at the time of toss. This happened because, before that, he had criticised Kohli’s batting or the way he approached things, according to the commentator.

“That is very important to him (staying withdrawn). But somebody who is also very sensitive to criticism. Yeah, yeah, he, I think, gets to know about what's being said about him, because I've had an experience with him as a captain and player. And suddenly one day I would find him very cold at the toss or whatever, and I would think, perhaps he heard something that was being said about him,” he said.

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Sanjay Manjrekar explains why criticism never slowed Virat Kohli down

What makes things more intriguing is that Manjrekar did not label Kohli’s sensitivity to criticism as something that would make him weaker but something the latter thrives off to play an even greater inning or even score a century.

“So he's one of those first guys who kept saying, you know, we don't care about what people say and why, so he's also very sensitive. But maybe it's a good thing as well that if he hears that kind of criticism or something negative, that will just spur him on to get that next big hundred,” he added.

Manjrekar made these remarks amid yet another IPL season when Kohli continues to attract attention from all around due to his status as one of the top batters in the world, although registering back-to-back ducks as of after the Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru game on Sunday.

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The Cricket News Opinion: Virat Kohli feeds off criticism

It may be that Kohli is not as immune to criticism as he would like people to think, but it is clear that this passion has driven him to excel on several occasions.

There is nothing wrong with being motivated by critics since the majority of elite sportsmen thrive off the hate and criticism they get online. Kohli has proven time and again that he responds to pressure situations very well.

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