Manjrekar labelled Kumar as a "120 kmph bowler" while commentating on Day 3 of the Perth Test.
Manjrekar's comment came on Day 3 of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test between India and Australia in Perth.
Manjrekar was on-air with Mark Nicholas and Russel Arnold, where he spoke about the development of fast bowlers in India over the last decade or so.
During the discussion, he also suggested that domestic pitches in India, with their grassy surfaces, favored medium pacers like Vinay Kumar, allowing them to dominate the wicket-taking charts.
"But I think that's gone," Manjrekar said, referring to changes in domestic conditions. "Medium pacers like the Vinay Kumars, with no disrespect to him, were topping the wicket-taking charts because all they needed to do with grass on the pitch was put the ball at 120 kmph in the right area, and they got wickets."
Manjrekar's statement was clearly not taken well by Vinay Kumar, who took to social media to defend his legacy and achievements.
"Sanjay bhai, with due respect, your speed gun requires urgent servicing. 120KMPH. Seriously? With God’s grace, I take pride in my achievements. I am contented, satisfied, and happy with my life," Kumar wrote on X.
"Medium pacer like Vinay Kumar has worked really hard to become the 1st Indian fast bowler to take 100 IPL wickets and has also played for the country in all formats. I take pride in my bowling. Anyways, best wishes and regards," he added.
Vinay Kumar represented India in 1 Test, 31 ODIs and 9 T20Is, claiming 1, 38, and 10 wickets respectively. His domestic record was quite impressive, with 504 wickets in first-class matches, 225 in List-A cricket, and 194 in T20s.
This isn’t the first time Sanjay Manjrekar has drawn flak for his remarks. Recently, India pacer Mohammad Shami called him out predicting a decline in his IPL auction price due to past injuries.
Back in 2019, Ravindra Jadeja had a heated exchange with Manjrekar on social media after the latter termed him as ‘bits and pieces’ cricketer.