'Don't see that happening under Rohit Sharma' - Sanjay Manjrekar recalls India's stump-mic antics from India's previous South Africa tour

In the lead-up to the much-anticipated Test series against South Africa, former India batter and renowned cricket expert Sanjay Manjrekar believes Virat Kohli is poised for a triumphant return to form.

India, having narrowly missed victory in their last tour, are hungry for success in South Africa, a territory that has proven elusive for them in the Test format. Reflecting on Kohli's previous performance, Manjrekar remarked,

"I see Virat Kohli doing his own few things. He is going to get fired up. The last trip to South Africa, he did not get a big one and Kohli has had to work harder for Test runs recently," Manjrekar told Star Sports.

"When Virat Kohli is all fired up and angry, that's the sight I like. David Warner as well. When they get a little fired up, you see them batting better," Manjrekar emphasized, highlighting the potential impact of Kohli's emotional intensity on his batting prowess.

Recalling the controversies that marred India's previous South African tour, Manjrekar addressed concerns about on-field behavior under new captain Rohit Sharma. He expressed confidence in Rohit's leadership style, suggesting that the team dynamics would differ.

"No (stump-mic aggression from last series repeat?) because we have a new leader in Rohit Sharma. But you are right, it brings back memories of players saying something that they have never done before, suggesting that the local broadcasters supported the South African team and all that. But that was a different temperamental team the last time around, under Rohit Sharma, they tend to play differently. It's always the captain who creates the culture, so I don't see that happening," Manjrekar explained, dismissing the likelihood of a repeat of past stump-mic aggressions.

India's quest for redemption begins on Boxing Day, December 26, in Centurion, where they aim to embark on their journey to secure a historic Test series victory in South Africa. As fans eagerly await Kohli's performance, the spotlight is on whether the star batter will rise to the occasion and lead India to a triumph that has eluded them for far too long.