Sanjay Manjrekar, a cricket commentator, has faced criticism on several occasions. Manjrekar has riled up cricketers several times for personal views. Manjrekar sparked more controversy during the 2019 World Cup, calling Ravindra Jadeja “bits and pieces cricketer”. The all-rounder hit back Manjrekar and looked brilliant in the tournament with both bat and ball.
A few words of criticism also aggravate the relationship between the players and the commentators. When talking on his ‘Reminiscence with Ash’ show in Instagram Live with the spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Manjrekar said that the field crickets are sensitive and therefore can not ignore the critics. Manjrekar said he was also offended by Dilip Vengasarkar ‘s statement during his days.
“Players are sensitive. I wont to be sensitive. When Dilip Vengsarkar criticized me in his column, I slipped a note under his door, trying to counter all his observations. So I don’t hold it against players once they react,” he said. Manjrekar further said: “When Sachin Tendulkar reacted to a column I had written, and I kept quiet.”
‘I know my limits’: Sanjay Manjrekar
Manjrekar also said that players should not give importance to commentators and focus on results. He called commentators “unimportant” and said no player would be dropped simply because Manjrekar said so.
“The easiest way to deal with players like us is to treat us as a garnish. We ‘re insignificant. They are the players, all their work is significant. No one will be dropped because Manjrekar said that, “he added.
Ashwin also asked Manjrekar: “What do you think of yourself as a cricketer? Is it possible that you sometimes see cricketers with a critical eye and you want to be the Sachin Tendulkar of broadcasting?”
In reply, Manjrekar revealed that there’s no agenda against any player. He added that he knows his boundary that that’s the reason he’s still around within the commentary scene.
“If I did something wrong, it’s because I attempted too hard. I try to stay true, there’s no agenda (against any player).”
“I know my boundaries. That’s why I’m still around. Otherwise, I might have been finished as a commentator five years ago. But Indian fan following is unique. They love somebody such a lot that they don’t want someone like me finding flaws with him,” said Manjrekar.
