Sanjay Manjrekar has never really considered Hardik Pandya as a trustable batsman. Recently, a Twitter brawl between him and a Pandya fan became viral. In that, Sanjay Manjrekar is saying that Hardik Pandya is not a tested batsman in ODI. Therefore, taking Manish Pandey in his place in the starting 11 would be a much safer option. After Pandya’s knock of 92* (76) in the third ODI against Australia though, Manjrekar seems to have changed his thought. “Not anymore”, the veteran Indian cricketer rectified his ‘anti-Pandya’ notion.
Not only Pandya but Manjrekar was also pessimistic regarding Ravindra Jadeja’s selection in the playing 11. In the same Twitter brawl, he criticised Jadeja’s selection as well. When a fan mentioned that the Indian team needs Jaddu’s fielding skills in Australia, he replied, ”Take him in as a substitute fielder, first chance you get”.
What Sanjay Manjrekar Went On To Say?
“My selection and thoughts are based on a principle that I have learned over the years: if you have specialists who can walk-in based on one discipline, you fill your team with those players. I do not have a problem with Jadeja; I have a problem with his kind of cricketers in white-ball cricket. Even Hardik Pandya will not be in my team. They add illusory value to the team. Of course, I have always rated Jadeja highly in the Test format.”
In the third ODI match against Australia, Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja both played superb knocks to take India’s score past the 300-mark. Jadeja scored 66*(50) and also took an important wicket. Not only in the third ODI but these two players have been in their best form in the entire series. By their performances, both of them have seemingly silenced their haters.
Was skeptical about Hardik the pure batsman in 50 overs cricket. Not anymore. ????#AUSvsIND
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 2, 2020
Seeing this spectacular performance by both the cricketers, the fans urged an apology out the Sanjay Manjrekar. Seeing a growing controversy, Sanjay Manjrekar finally took to Twitter and rectified his statement. He Tweeted, “Was sceptical about Hardik the pure batsman in 50 overs cricket. Not anymore.”
In yesterday’s match at the Manuka oval, India won the toss and decided to bat first. Among the main batsmen of the team India, namely, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, only Kohli managed to play a good knock. He scored 63 (78). Shubhman Gill who played his first match of the series made a decent 33 (39).
Wasim Jaffer Takes A Dig At Sanjay Manjrekar Post His Tweet
Meanwhile, Wasim Jaffer took a sly dig at the commentator. Here is what he had to say-
While we appreciate those who contributed on the field let’s not forget the contribution of those working off the field too like my good friend @sanjaymanjrekar ? #AusvInd
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 2, 2020
The Game That Team India Finally Won
When the top order of the Indian batting line-up collapsed, the responsibility fell upon the two all-rounders of the side- Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja. And they nailed this opportunity. When Kohli was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, even 250+ looked like a decent score. The Pandya-Jadeja partnership took India’s score to 302/5.
India’s bowling unit performed better than the last two matches. India made two good replacements in the match. Newcomers Shardul and Natarajan took three and two wickets respectively and made their mark. Bumrah took two late wickets as well to seal the match in a thrilling comeback.
India thus lost the ODI series 2-1 and they would be looking forward to winning the upcoming T-20 series against the Australian side.
