Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar received backlash for taunting Kuldeep Yadav, who handed the debut cap to Nitish Rana ahead of the 2nd T20I against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Incidentally, India had to field four debutants in the game after nine cricketers were ruled out for coming in close contact with all-rounder Krunal Pandya, who tested COVID-19 positive.
While Shikhar Dhawan, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Sanju Samson handed the other three cricketers their debut caps, it was on senior spinner Kuldeep to present the T20I cap to Nitish Rana. While it was well-received by the fans, Sanjay Manjrekar felt Kuldeep was not the right person.
🎥Big moment for the 4⃣! 👏 👏
T20I caps handed over to @devdpd07, @Ruutu1331, @NitishRana_27 & @Sakariya55! 👍 👍 #TeamIndia #SLvIND
Follow the match 👉 https://t.co/Hsbf9yWCCh pic.twitter.com/E4OzrlG4Sx
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 28, 2021
The 56-year-old has been in the news for his controversial statements in the recent past. From calling Ravindra Jadeja a ‘bits and pieces’ cricketer to questioning Ravichandran Ashwin’s status as one of the all-time greats, Sanjay Manjrekar is well known for his statements.
Another example of the same was on display once again on Wednesday when the commentator took a sly dig at Kuldeep Yadav, which was not at all appreciated by the Indian fans. Speaking from the commentary box, Sanjay Manjrekar said:
“I am surprised a player who himself stays in and out of the team is handing the debut cap.”
Fans slam Sanjay Manjrekar for his comments on Kuldeep Yadav
Meanwhile, the fans were quick to point out that Manjrekar’s comment on Kuldeep was not acceptable at all. While some claimed that BCCI should ban the commentator permanently from the panel, the others suggested that they would prefer to mute rather than listening to his commentary.
Do everything but please remove Sanjay Manjrekar from the commentary box, it's just cacophonous to even listen to #INDvSL
— Abhijeet Mukherjee (@Abhify) July 28, 2021
Sanjay manjrekar is that student who writes song lyrics in paper.
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) July 28, 2021
Can't we mute Sanjay Manjrekar? #SLvsIND #T20Cricket
— ද Johnson (@lordryanjohnson) July 28, 2021
When @IamSanjuSamson (9 T20s) can present the Cap to a Debut player, why can't @imkuldeep18 (21 T20s) present the Cap to a debut player. @sanjaymanjrekar know the stats and then do commentary or else close your mouth and sit in your home. #Irritatingcommentary #SLvIND @BCCI
— Bala Harish (@balaharish25) July 28, 2021
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