‘You can see the agenda behind it’ – Sanjay Manjrekar takes a dig at Ravi Shastri’s ‘people couldn’t have digested Virat Kohli’s success’ remarks

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has taken a dig at Ravi Shastri for his views on Virat Kohli’s resignation as Test captain. Shastri, who served as India’s head coach from 2017 to 2021, took a jibe at Kohli’s critics, saying many people wouldn’t have been able to “digest” seeing the right-handed batter becoming the most successful Test captain.

While Manjrekar believes Kohli, 33, could have led India for at least a couple of more years in Test, he’s not too amused with Shastri’s statement. The cricketer-turned-commentator said he was a huge admirer of Shastri during their playing days. He even said the former all-rounder used to support the young players. However, Manjrekar feels that the ‘Shastri 2.0’ doesn’t make many sensible comments. He even suggested the former head coach has an “agenda” behind his statements.

Ravi Shastri doesn’t make very intelligent comments: Sanjay Manjrekar

“I don’t have an idea. I was a huge admirer of Ravi Shastri. I played under him, he gave players support, a great fighter, senior. This Shastri 2.0 I don’t understand. What he says in public is expected, I don’t react to it. I don’t want to be disrespectful. He doesn’t make very intelligent comments, you can see the agenda behind it. It’s not an accurate cricketing observation,” Manjrekar was quoted as saying by News18.

Meanwhile, Kohli, who took India to 40 wins in 68 Tests as captain, needed 14 more victories in the format to become the most successful skipper in the history of Test cricket. Shastri said the Delhi-born batter had a great chance to get the feat. However, many wouldn’t have been able to ‘digest’ his success, had the veteran batter continued as Test captain.

“Whether Virat could have continued to lead India in Tests. For sure, he could have led India for at least 2 years because next two years India would be playing at home and who is coming over – 9 and 10 jacks, going by the rankings. But he would have then made it to 50-60 wins under his captaincy and a lot of people will not be able to digest that fact,” said Shastri in a chat with India Today.