When you’re one of the most celebrated athletes in the world, every move you make—and every run you don’t score—is dissected under a microscope. But for Virat Kohli, the scrutiny doesn’t just come from pundits or fans; it sometimes feels personal. And now, his elder brother Vikas Kohli has stepped into the ring to deliver a knockout punch to those he believes are unfairly targeting the cricket legend.
In a now-viral social media post, Vikas didn’t hold back: “Daal roti nahi chalti … bina Virat ka naam liye.” Translation? “You can’t just get by on simple food… not without using Virat’s name.” It’s a sharp, street-smart rebuke aimed squarely at critics who, in his view, ride on Virat’s fame to stay relevant—especially in the wake of recent commentary about Kohli’s Test career by former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar .
With Virat preparing for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand in peak form, this family defense adds a dramatic new layer to the narrative surrounding India’s batting superstar. Let’s unpack what’s really going on.
Table of Contents
- The Spark: Sanjay Manjrekar’s Comments
- Vikas Kohli Strikes Back: “Daal Roti Nahi Chalti”
- Virat Kohli Brother Slams Critics: The Broader Context
- Kohli’s Current Form: A Silent Rebuttal
- Why Family Defense Matters in Indian Cricket
- Conclusion: Focus on the Game, Not the Noise
- Sources
The Spark: Sanjay Manjrekar’s Comments
The latest wave of criticism stems from remarks made by veteran commentator and former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar. In a recent analysis, Manjrekar questioned the trajectory of Virat Kohli’s Test career, suggesting that despite his immense talent, his legacy might be incomplete without more consistent performances in the longest format—particularly overseas [[3], [7]].
While Manjrekar framed his comments as analytical, they struck a nerve with many fans—and clearly with the Kohli family. In India, where cricket borders on religion, any critique of a national icon is often met with fierce resistance. For Vikas, this wasn’t just analysis—it was opportunism.
Vikas Kohli Strikes Back: “Daal Roti Nahi Chalti”
Vikas Kohli, who has largely stayed out of the spotlight, used Instagram to deliver his now-famous retort. His post implied that certain individuals—analysts, ex-players, even media personalities—leverage Virat’s global stature to gain attention, clicks, and relevance.
“Log samajhte hain ki bas Virat ka naam le lo, aur tumhari daal roti chal jayegi. Par ab woh daur khatam ho raha hai.”
This isn’t just a brotherly defense; it’s a cultural statement. In Hindi-speaking households, “daal roti” symbolizes basic sustenance—the bare minimum needed to survive. Vikas’s message is clear: stop using my brother’s name as your meal ticket.
Virat Kohli Brother Slams Critics: The Broader Context
This isn’t the first time Virat’s family has spoken up. His wife, Anushka Sharma, has previously shut down body-shaming trolls and online abuse directed at him. But Vikas’s intervention is different—it targets the ecosystem of cricket commentary itself.
The rise of digital media has blurred the lines between journalism, punditry, and sensationalism. With millions of eyeballs on every Kohli innings, there’s immense incentive to generate hot takes—even if they border on unfair. Vikas’s comment reflects a growing frustration among players’ inner circles: that criticism has become less about the game and more about personal branding .
For context, consider these dynamics:
- Click-driven narratives: Negative headlines about stars like Kohli often generate more engagement than praise.
- Legacy debates: As legends near the twilight of their careers, every performance is weighed against an impossible standard.
- Family loyalty: In Indian culture, defending one’s kin—especially against public shaming—is a deeply ingrained value.
Kohli’s Current Form: A Silent Rebuttal
Ironically, while the noise grows louder off the field, Kohli himself is letting his bat do the talking. Fresh off stellar performances in recent bilateral series, he enters the New Zealand ODI tour in exceptional form. His consistency in white-ball cricket remains unmatched, with over 13,000 ODI runs and a strike rate that defies his “classical” label .
Against a quality New Zealand attack featuring Trent Boult and Matt Henry, Kohli will look to anchor India’s top order and silence doubters the only way he knows how: by scoring runs. Sometimes, the best response to criticism isn’t a tweet—it’s a century.
Why Family Defense Matters in Indian Cricket
In Western sports, athletes often handle criticism alone. But in India, the family unit is central to a player’s identity and support system. When a figure like Vikas speaks up, it’s not just personal—it resonates with millions who see Virat not just as a cricketer, but as a son, brother, and husband.
This humanizes the superstar and reminds us that behind every cover drive is a person with real emotions and loved ones who feel every barb. As noted by ESPNcricinfo, the emotional toll of constant scrutiny is a real challenge for modern athletes .
Conclusion: Focus on the Game, Not the Noise
The drama around Virat Kohli brother slams critics may dominate headlines for a day, but the real story will unfold on the pitch in New Zealand. Vikas’s “daal roti” remark is a powerful reminder that fame comes with a cost—and that families will always stand guard. Yet, for fans and analysts alike, the healthiest approach is to let the game decide legacies, not social media spats. After all, in cricket, runs are the ultimate rebuttal. For more on Kohli’s career milestones, check out our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:virat-kohli-career-statistics].
Sources
[1] Times of India. “‘Daal roti nahi chalti …’: Virat Kohli’s brother slams critics.” https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/…
[3] Various media reports on Sanjay Manjrekar’s recent commentary (January 2026).
[5] ICC Official Statistics. “Virat Kohli ODI Career Records.” https://www.icc-cricket.com
[6] ESPNcricinfo. “The Mental Load of Being Virat Kohli.”
[7] Sportskeeda. “Sanjay Manjrekar questions Virat Kohli’s Test legacy amid NZ tour prep.”
[9] The Hindu. “The Commodification of Cricket Criticism in the Digital Age.”