Former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar shared a list of top IPL batsmen on Saturday, notably excluding RCB's star batsman Virat Kohli and Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudarshan.
Sports News: A new debate erupted during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 when former Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar compiled a list of top IPL batsmen. This list notably excluded some prominent players, including RCB's star batsman Virat Kohli and Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudarshan.
Manjrekar cited their relatively lower strike rates, according to his criteria, as the reason for their exclusion. This move sparked a social media uproar and b reactions from fans.
Manjrekar's List and the Surprising Debate
Sanjay Manjrekar, known for his outspoken nature, shared a list of the top batsmen in IPL 2025 on social media. His list featured batsmen with impressive strike rates and high run totals. However, the exclusion of Virat Kohli, Sai Sudarshan, and Aiden Markram surprised many.
Manjrekar explicitly stated that he prioritizes strike rate alongside run accumulation in his selection criteria. He tweeted, "In batting, only one list matters: big runs with a phenomenal strike rate. This is the standard that will determine the list of top IPL 2025 batsmen."
Manjrekar released a list of batsmen with a strike rate exceeding 153 and at least 250 runs scored. He further noted these batsmen had reached new heights based on their previous season's performance.
Batsmen Included in Sanjay Manjrekar's List
Many batsmen on Manjrekar's list have received considerable praise for their performance. Key names included:
- Nicholas Pooran – 377 runs, strike rate 205
- Priyansh Arya – 254 runs, strike rate 202
- Shreyas Iyer – 263 runs, strike rate 185
- Suryakumar Yadav – 373 runs, strike rate 167
- Jos Buttler – 356 runs, strike rate 166
- Mitchell Marsh – 344 runs, strike rate 161
- Travis Head – 261 runs, strike rate 159
- Victor Klassen – 288 runs, strike rate 157
- KL Rahul – 323 runs, strike rate 154
- Shubman Gill – 305 runs, strike rate 153
All these players had a strike rate above 153 and scored substantial runs. These figures highlight Manjrekar's emphasis on the method of run scoring, i.e., strike rate, in addition to the sheer number of runs.
Virat Kohli, Sai Sudarshan, and Aiden Markram Omitted
The most surprising omission from Manjrekar's list was Virat Kohli. Kohli is among the highest run-scorers in IPL 2025, having amassed 392 runs this season. However, his strike rate of 144.11 fell significantly short of Manjrekar's established benchmark, leading to his exclusion.
Similarly, Gujarat Titans' Sai Sudarshan was also left out. Sudarshan has had a stellar IPL 2025, scoring 417 runs with a strike rate of 152.18. However, his strike rate fell slightly below Manjrekar's criteria, resulting in his exclusion.
Likewise, Aiden Markram was absent from Manjrekar's list. He scored 326 runs this season with a strike rate of 150.92. Considering the performances of these players, their omission understandably caused disappointment and surprise among fans, as they were amongst the highest run-scorers in IPL 2025.
Fan Outrage and Social Media Uproar
Manjrekar's list ignited a new debate on social media. Fans were surprised by the exclusion of big names like Virat Kohli and Sai Sudarshan. Many fans argued that a batsman's technical skills and consistency should be valued more highly than strike rate alone.
Other fans pointed out the extensive experience and skillset of players like Kohli and Sudarshan in the IPL, arguing these aspects shouldn't be disregarded. Manjrekar's decision faced b criticism, but he maintained his stance, reiterating his prioritization of strike rate as a crucial aspect in T20 cricket.
