Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has been controversies favourites son. From calling Ravindra Jadeja bits and pieces cricketer to labelling Ambati Rayudu low-profile cricketers, Manjrekar has been under the spotlight. He once again sparked controversy after KL Rahul was picked for all the three squads that will tour Australia soon after the IPL ends.
The Kings XI Punjab has been in blistering form with the bat right from the start of 2020. After grabbing the opportunity in the limited-overs squad with both hands, KL Rahul has been in the best of form in the ongoing T20 blitz. He is currently the Orange Cap holder for the highest runs scored in the competition.
Sanjay Manjrekar fire shots at KL Rahul
He has led the team from the front as Kings XI Punjab made an exceptional comeback in the second half of the competition. They have won all their last five matches to be in the contention for a playoff spot. In the wake of squads announcements, Sanjay Manjrekar has once again fired shots at KL Rahul.
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“You set a bad precedent when you recall a player for Tests on IPL performance. Especially if the player has been an abject failure in his last few Tests. Whether that player succeeds or fails is irrelevant, such selections massively demotivate Ranji players,” Sanjay Manjrekar wrote on Twitter.
Meanwhile, initially, Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t mention any name. However, while responding to a fan, he put out some statistics of KL Rahul to back his statement. Incidentally, Rahul has failed to impress in the last few Tests and was left out of the squad.
“KL Rahul in his last 5 Test series – v SA – Avg 7.1 – v Eng – Avg 29 – v WI at home – Avg 18 – v Aus – Avg 10.7 – v WI – Avg 25.4 I say very lucky to get a recall based on IPL & white ball performance. But now let’s just hope he makes the most of this chance. Good luck to him!” Manjrekar wrote in reply.
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KL Rahul in his last 5 Test series
– v SA – Avg 7.1
– v Eng – Avg 29
– v WI at home – Avg 18
– v Aus – Avg 10.7
– v WI – Avg 25.4
I say very lucky to get a recall based on IPL & white ball performance. But now let’s just hope he makes the most of this chance. Good luck to him! https://t.co/YBVbeut5jH— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 27, 2020
It will be interesting to see how KL Rahul responds to the criticisms. The batsman from Karnataka, who is arguably in the best of form, will look cash into this opportunity and shut all critics as India gear up to play four Test matches against Australia.
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