Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has weighed in on Virat Kohli’s recent struggles in the ongoing first Test against Bangladesh at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Kohli’s dismissals for 6 and 17 in both innings have left many questioning his recent form in Test cricket, especially in home conditions. Manjrekar, however, has come to Kohli’s defense, drawing comparisons with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar and highlighting Kohli’s preference for batting overseas.

Kohli's dismissal in the second innings caused significant controversy. The star batter was given out LBW to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, but replays later revealed that Kohli had edged the ball before it struck his pads. Despite the visible inside edge, Kohli chose not to use the Decision Review System (DRS), possibly unsure of the delivery. As a result, he walked back to the pavilion, leaving India in a precarious situation.

Manjrekar, expressing sympathy for Kohli, explained that the decision not to review might have been a selfless move. "Felt bad for Virat today. He obviously didn’t think he had hit it. Just wanted to know from Gill if ball was hitting stumps. Despite Gill encouraging him to go for the review, anyway, he walked away dejected wanting to keep the 3 reviews for his team," Manjrekar said on X.

This was the second consecutive failure for Kohli in the Test, after a mere 6 runs in the first innings. His form in Test cricket has come under scrutiny, particularly since his century against Bangladesh in the 2019 Kolkata Test. Since then, Kohli has managed only one century in 12 home Tests.

Manjrekar offered insight into Kohli’s struggles, suggesting that the former Indian captain might not enjoy batting in home conditions as much as he does away from home. "He is not enjoying batting in India as much. Like Tendulkar, I think he feels more at home away from home. We saw that in South Africa, how well he played. He was by far India's best batter," said Manjrekar in an interview with ESPNCricinfo.

Kohli's record away from home supports this view. During the South Africa series earlier this year, he was the second-highest run-scorer for India, amassing 172 runs in four innings at an average of 43. In contrast, Kohli has struggled on home soil, especially against spin. Since 2021, he has been dismissed 18 times by spinners in Asia.