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Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar took a swipe at Ravindra Jadeja during the warm-up game between India and Bangladesh ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. The match is being held at Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York.
This occurred after Ravindra Jadeja narrowly escaped a stumping call. During the 17th over of the first innings, Jadeja joined Hardik Pandya at the crease. On his very first ball, he nearly got out for a golden duck.
Bangladesh bowler Tanvir Islam delivered a fuller ball, which Jadeja attempted to slog but missed, standing right on the crease before and after the shot. The Bangladesh wicketkeeper collected the ball and dislodged the bails. Jadeja appeared to be short of the crease, but there wasn’t conclusive evidence to declare him out since the cameras didn’t capture the right angle, so the umpires ruled him not out. To the naked eye, however, it looked like he was out.
Commentating at the time, Sanjay Manjrekar made a sly comment. He mentioned that it seemed out but added he had to remain quiet since Ravindra Jadeja was the focus of attention at Nassau County Cricket Stadium in New York.
“It looks out from here, but it’s Jadeja batting, so I better shut up,” said Sanjay Manjrekar on air.
The Ravindra Jadeja – Sanjay Manjrekar Controversy
For those who are unaware, Sanjay Manjrekar and Ravindra Jadeja have a strained relationship stemming from a dispute in 2019. The commentator made a significant remark about the all-rounder, stating that he doesn’t appreciate “bits-and-pieces” players like Jadeja. He had said:
“I am not a big fan of bits and pieces players which Jadeja is at this point of his career in 50-over cricket. In Test matches, he is a pure bowler. But in 50-over cricket, I would rather have a batsman and a spinner.”
Ravindra Jadeja, however, didn’t hold back in responding to Sanjay Manjrekar. He took to Twitter to point out that he has played twice as many matches as the commentator. He had said:
“Still I have played twice the number of matches you have played and I’m still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved. I have heard enough of your verbal diarrhoea.”
Regarding the match, Ravindra Jadeja faced just 6 balls, scoring 4 runs. With the ball, he bowled 2 overs, conceding 11 runs. He will be crucial for Team India as they head into the T20 World Cup 2024. India will begin their campaign against Ireland on June 5th in New York.
