Table of Contents
- The Controversial Claim: What Did Manjrekar Say?
- Gill’s Powerful Rebuttal: “No Format is Easy”
- Breaking Down the Formats: Is ODI Really the Easiest?
- India vs. New Zealand Series Kicks Off Today
- Why This Debate Matters for Indian Cricket
- Conclusion: Skill Trumps Simplification
- Sources
The cricket world is buzzing with a fresh controversy just as India’s 2026 season kicks off. Veteran commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has once again ignited a fierce debate, this time by labeling ODI cricket as the easiest format and suggesting that Virat Kohli strategically chose it over the more demanding Test arena. But India’s new ODI captain, Shubman Gill, has fired back with a verdict that cuts straight to the heart of the matter.
The Controversial Claim: What Did Manjrekar Say?
Sanjay Manjrekar’s comments are never short on drama, and his latest remarks are no exception. He asserted that Virat Kohli “walked away from Test cricket” and opted to play what he believes is the “easiest format” . Manjrekar doubled down on this view, explaining that he considers ODI cricket to be the simplest format for top-order batters to score runs, implying a lack of the grit and resilience required in the longer game .
This perspective isn’t just a casual observation; it’s a direct challenge to the legacy and current focus of one of India’s greatest batsmen. By framing the choice as an escape from difficulty, Manjrekar’s narrative has sparked significant backlash from fans and experts alike who argue it fundamentally misunderstands the unique demands of the 50-over game .
Gill’s Powerful Rebuttal: “No Format is Easy”
Standing firmly in defense of his team and the sport’s integrity, newly-appointed ODI captain Shubman Gill offered a concise and powerful counter-argument. Speaking ahead of the crucial series against New Zealand, Gill stated plainly, “I don’t think any format is easy” .
His most damning piece of evidence? The results. “The Indian cricket team hasn’t won a World Cup since 2011, so if it was that easy, we would be winning the tournament every single time,” Gill pointed out . This is a masterstroke of logic—it uses Manjrekar’s own premise against him. If the easiest format were truly simple, wouldn’t the world’s top teams dominate it consistently?
Gill further emphasized that ODI cricket demands its own unique blend of skills, including “resilience, persistence and determination” . His response wasn’t just a defense of Kohli; it was a validation of every player who grinds it out in the middle overs, balancing aggression with caution under immense pressure.
Breaking Down the Formats: Is ODI Really the Easiest?
The debate over which cricket format is the most challenging is as old as the formats themselves. Let’s break it down:
- Test Cricket: The ultimate test of patience, technique, and mental fortitude over five days. It’s widely regarded as the purest and most difficult form of the game .
- T20 Cricket: A high-octane, high-risk format where split-second decisions can make or break a match. It requires explosive power and innovative shot-making under extreme time pressure .
- ODI Cricket: Often seen as a hybrid, the 50-over game demands a unique strategic mind. Batters must build an innings over 8-10 overs before accelerating, while bowlers need to be both economical and wicket-taking. It’s a complex balancing act that is far from simple .
To call any of these the “easiest format” is a gross oversimplification. Each presents its own distinct set of physical, technical, and psychological challenges. As one expert insight notes, Test cricket pushes a player’s physical and mental limits over days, while T20 demands a different, more explosive skill set . ODI cricket sits in the middle, requiring mastery of both worlds.
India vs. New Zealand Series Kicks Off Today
The timing of this controversy couldn’t be more perfect. The three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand begins today, Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara . The series continues on January 14 in Rajkot and concludes on January 18 in Indore .
This series is a prime opportunity for Team India, under Gill’s new leadership, to demonstrate the very complexity and competitive nature of ODI cricket that Manjrekar seems to dismiss. Every match will be a live rebuttal to the notion that success here is easily won.
Why This Debate Matters for Indian Cricket
This isn’t just about semantics; it’s about respect. Dismissing ODI cricket as the easiest format undermines the efforts of an entire generation of players who have honed their craft specifically for this demanding game. It also creates a false hierarchy that can be damaging to the sport’s ecosystem.
For a young captain like Shubman Gill, setting the record straight is crucial. His leadership will be defined not just by wins and losses, but by how he defends the integrity of the game and his teammates. His calm, results-based argument is a sign of a mature leader who understands that true authority comes from substance, not soundbites.
Conclusion: Skill Trumps Simplification
Shubman Gill’s verdict on Sanjay Manjrekar’s comments is clear and compelling: there is no such thing as an easiest format in international cricket. Each version of the game is a unique battlefield that tests different facets of a cricketer’s ability. To suggest otherwise is to ignore the nuanced reality of modern sport. As the India vs. New Zealand series unfolds, expect the players on the field to provide the most eloquent argument of all—with their performance.
Sources
[INTERNAL_LINK:virat-kohli-career-stats] | [INTERNAL_LINK:shubman-gill-captaincy-record]
For more on the technical differences between cricket’s formats, see this comprehensive guide from the International Cricket Council (ICC).