Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has once again become the talk of the town on social media. This time, Manjrekar has been lambasted for his distasteful remarks on Cheteshwar Pujara’s talent.
Amidst the horrific batting collapse, Pujara played exceptionally well with the tailenders to notch up his 15th Test ton during the second day of the fourth Test against England in Southampton.
India were some 50 runs away from England’s first innings score of 246 when they lost the eighth wicket. However, a determined Pujara (132*) marshalled the tail and anchored the innings to help the visitors take a vital lead of 27 runs.
When Pujara reached the 100-run mark, Manjrekar was in the commentary box. Instead of praising the innings, Manjrekar rather made comments about Pujara’s talent saying that the Saurashtra batsman is a perfect role model for any young cricketer who thinks he isn't gifted enough.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s unpleasant remarks certainly didn’t go down too well with the Twitterati as he was brutally trolled thereafter.
Pujara's innings deserved somebody better in the commentary box at this time, instead of these two.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) August 31, 2018
Sanjay Manjrekar said some patronising crap about Pujara when he reached his hundred. About how he's an inspiration for any young cricketer who thinks he isn't talented enough. Pujara? Not talented? Don't make me laugh.
— Karthik Krishnaswamy (@the_kk) August 31, 2018
Pujara is often inconsistent and but today , when he has played one of the most important knocks , Sanjay Manjrekar implies that the man is not “that” talented . Who hands over commentary contracts to people like him? #EngvsIndia #engvind
— Apoorv Sharma (@IamApoorvSharma) August 31, 2018
I make sure, I watch cricket on mute whenever Sanjay Manjrekar is on mic. Can't able to bear his absolute nonsense...!
— Pa₹idhi $₹ivastava ???? (@BeingKohlicious) August 31, 2018
Every Indian who has been criticized has come up with solid performance in this series except... Sanjay Manjrekar.#ENGvIND
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) August 31, 2018
What is the procedure to remove Sanjay Manjrekar from the commentary box
— Anand Srivastha (@Jigarthanda) August 31, 2018
Sir @sanjaymanjrekar how many RTs for not doing commentary in India's matches?#INDvENG
— Abhimanyu Kulkarni (@abhi_kulkarni85) August 31, 2018
I have seldom heard worse commentary than Sanjay Manjrekar giving left handed compliment to Pujara, Just when he made a brilliant test hundred. #IndiaEnglandTestSeries2018
— Vibhav / उर्मिलापुत्र विभव तिवारी (@vibhavarms) August 31, 2018
Why does sanjay manjrekar have a mouth? ????
— REEMA (@Reeeeema9_n) August 31, 2018
Interestingly, Manjrekar went on to tweet the same on Pujara after the end of second day’s play and he faced the wrath of his followers once again.
Any kid thinking I don’t have enough talent to make it, look at Pujara, that’s your role model right there.#Grit
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) August 31, 2018
Coming to the match, England are 6/0 in their second innings with Alastair Cook and Keaton Jennings batting on 2 and 4 respectively. The hosts are currently tailing India by 21 runs. Even though the visitors are looking statistically ahead right now, anything above 150 to chase in the fourth innings is a tough task.