Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has strongly criticized the growing narrative of uncertainty surrounding Indian Test cricket in the post-Virat Kohli era. His remarks came after KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant delivered commanding centuries in the second innings of the Headingley Test against England, helping India set a formidable 371-run target.
Rahul-Pant Partnership Silences Doubts
With India missing stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin, many fans and pundits had expressed concern over the team’s ability to perform overseas. However, the young squad, led by Shubman Gill, has risen to the occasion. Rahul (137) and Pant (118) stitched together a 195-run stand for the fourth wicket, showcasing composure, flair, and resilience.
Pant’s performance was particularly historic—he became only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score centuries in both innings of a match, joining Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower.
Manjrekar: ‘What After Virat’ Is an Irrational Fear
Reacting to the stellar performances, Manjrekar took to social media to address the “post-Kohli panic.” He wrote, “Cricket is by far the No. 1 sport in India. There is tremendous incentive for young kids to take up cricket. Hence, ‘What after Fab 4, or what after Virat’ is an irrational fear”.
He praised the new generation of Indian batters—Jaiswal, Gill, Rahul, and Pant—for stepping up and proving that Indian Test cricket remains in safe hands.
A New Era of Indian Test Cricket
India’s first innings had already seen centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), and Rishabh Pant (134), helping the team post 471. With Rahul and Pant adding to the tally in the second innings, India accounted for five centuries in the match, a rare feat that underscores the depth of talent in the squad.
Despite a couple of late-order collapses, the team’s overall batting display has been lauded as a sign of maturity and promise.
Final Thoughts
As India eyes victory in the first Test of the five-match series, the performances of Rahul and Pant have not only put the team in a commanding position but also redefined the narrative around Indian cricket’s future. With Manjrekar’s endorsement and the team’s on-field dominance, the message is clear: Indian Test cricket is thriving beyond the Kohli era.
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