Cricket

Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked controversy after failing to mention star batter Virat Kohli in his post celebrating the team's T20 World Cup triumph. Manjrekar credited captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and chief selector Ajit Agarkar for the team's success, but his omission of Kohli, who was named 'Man of the Match' in the final, has drawn criticism from fans.Kohli's exclusion from Manjrekar's post is particularly notable given his significant contributions to the team's victory. After a slow start to the tournament, Kohli stepped up when it mattered most, scoring a crucial 76 in the final against South Africa. His innings helped India post a competitive total and ultimately secure the title.Kohli's performance in the tournament was a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite facing criticism for his recent form, he remained focused and delivered when his team needed him most. His innings in the final was a reminder of his class and ability to perform under pressure.Manjrekar's omission of Kohli from his post has raised questions about his objectivity as a commentator. Fans have accused him of bias and hypocrisy, pointing out that he had previously criticized Kohli's captaincy and form.The controversy surrounding Manjrekar's post has overshadowed the team's historic victory. India ended a 13-year wait to win an ICC title, and the players deserve to be celebrated for their achievement. However, the omission of Kohli from Manjrekar's post has cast a shadow over the celebrations and raised questions about the commentator's motives.

Sanjay Manjrekar's impassioned defense of Hardik Pandya at the Wankhede Stadium stemmed from his unwavering belief in the all-rounder's ability to perform under pressure. Despite facing relentless jeers from the crowd following his appointment as Mumbai Indians captain, Pandya's subsequent heroics in India's T20 World Cup triumph have vindicated Manjrekar's stance.Manjrekar's intervention during the toss at a home match of MI at the Wankhede was met with mockery on social media. However, Pandya's crucial contributions to India's second T20 World Cup victory, with 144 runs and 11 wickets, have silenced the critics."What a turnaround for Hardik Pandya," Manjrekar told 'ESPNCricinfo'. "In IPL, there were people jeering him and booing him and I told them to behave because this is a big-stage player."Manjrekar's faith in Pandya's ability to perform under pressure was evident in his crucial wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, which turned the tide of the match in India's favor. "We have seen that umpteen times, wickets of Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller and right at the end, Rabada, so he was a champion and no surprise, to see him flourish on the big stage," Manjrekar said.Manjrekar also highlighted Pandya's importance to the Indian team, even during their disappointing loss to England in Adelaide during the 2022 tournament. "Even in that semifinal against England, he came in and gave India some hope with 60 off 33. So that's what he is all about.""You felt safe when he came to bowl in the last over, he was not going to lose his nerves, he was going to bowl sensibly," he concluded.Pandya's resurgence has not only silenced his critics but also cemented his status as a vital cog in the Indian team. His ability to perform under pressure and make match-winning contributions has proven Manjrekar's belief in him to be well-founded.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to cricket has earned him a "wildcard" selection for India's T20 World Cup final against South Africa, according to former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.After a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, Pant's recovery has been an inspiration to many. The explosive left-handed batter is back in action in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, leading the Delhi Capitals. His impressive performances earned him a call-up to India's 15-man squad for the mega event.In India's opening match of the tournament, Pant showcased his class with a reverse scoop over the wicketkeeper's head for a boundary against Ireland. Manjrekar believes Pant will be the player to watch out for against South Africa on Saturday at Kensington Oval in Barbados."I think we will get a great idea about who the big match player is. I'm going to go with a wildcard and say Rishabh Pant will be the player to watch out for," Manjrekar said on the 'Caught and Bold' show on Disney+ Hotstar.Pant has been promoted to the number three position in the batting order, with Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma opening the innings. Pant has performed admirably in his new role, scoring 171 runs at a strike rate of 129.54 and an average of 28.50 in seven matches.In less than a year, head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit will lead India in their third ICC tournament final. Pant will be eager to make a difference for the Indian team, which is still chasing its first World Cup trophy since 2011.India's hopes of winning the title were dashed by Australia in both the World Test Championship and the ODI World Cup. However, Australia will not be a factor this time around, as they were eliminated from the tournament.India sent Australia to the brink of elimination with impressive bowling spells and Rohit's 92-run knock. Afghanistan's historic victory over the cricketing giants left the Baggy Greens stunned before their collapse against India."Losing to Afghanistan... When you have a bad day in a very tough format, you pay the price for it. It was as good a side as India. The two best sides in the tournament were India and Australia," Manjrekar added.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed confidence in the Indian cricket team's ability to win the T20 World Cup final against South Africa, despite Virat Kohli's recent struggles with form.Kohli, who has been a key player for India in the past, has only managed to score 75 runs in seven matches during the tournament, averaging just 10.71. However, Manjrekar believes that the team's overall performance is more important than individual form."Not really concerned about Virat Kohli's form because the team's form is far more important," Manjrekar said. "India has discovered a new template, the modern template of playing T20 cricket, and it's paying rich dividends so far."India has won all of its matches in the tournament so far, and Manjrekar believes that the team's new approach could lead to a World Cup victory."Of course, India can lift the World Cup 2024," Manjrekar said. "India has discovered a new template, the modern template of playing T20 cricket, and it's paying rich dividends so far."Manjrekar also identified South Africa's fast bowlers and top-order batsmen as potential threats to India in the final."I would say one of the fast bowlers, either Anrich Nortje or Rabada," Manjrekar said. "In batting Quinton De Kock for sure."India will be looking to win its first ICC World Cup since 2011, and Manjrekar believes that the team has a good chance of doing so."India's journey to the final has been marked by a fearless approach under Rohit Sharma's leadership," Manjrekar said. "This newfound strategy could end India's hiatus from ICC World Cup victories."

The 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal loss to England proved to be a pivotal moment for Team India, according to former cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar. The humiliating 10-wicket defeat served as a "wake-up call" that has transformed the team into a formidable force.In the Adelaide encounter, India's star batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to deliver, contributing to the team's unexpected exit. Rohit managed a 27-ball 27, while Kohli scored a 40-ball 50 as India posted a modest 168 for 6. England chased down the target with ease in just 16 overs.Manjrekar believes that neither Rohit nor Kohli have acknowledged the loss as a turning point, but it has undoubtedly been a catalyst for the team's resurgence in T20 cricket. "India is completely changed as a T20 side. That (2022 T20 WC semis loss) was a wake-up call for India. They may not admit it. Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have never confessed that they helped India lose the semifinals, but this new India is a completely different India," Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.He added that England's current form, which is slightly weaker than in previous years, further strengthens India's chances.However, Kohli's recent struggles have raised concerns ahead of the semifinal clash against England. The former Indian captain has scored just 1, 4, 0, 24, 37, and 0 in six matches. Manjrekar acknowledges Kohli's form as a worry but expects him to rise to the occasion."Virat Kohli is a little bit of a worry because he hasn't got the runs, but he stayed committed to this approach of taking risks and doesn't worry about getting out. Whether he'll continue to do that in the semifinal, because this is a guy who has taken up the responsibility on the big stage, he feels that he's the guy who's got to do it. Plus he's short of runs. The thing to look for is if he's hit a four or a six and if he picks a single, then you know that he's batting a little differently," Manjrekar said.Team India is determined to break its decade-long drought of major titles and prove its mettle in knockout matches. Rohit's team enters Thursday's semifinal in Guyana on a six-match winning streak and is eager to emulate the success of the 2007 side that won the inaugural T20 World Cup.

India's quest for T20 World Cup glory in 2024 hinges on finding the optimal balance in their playing XI, according to former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar. During the group stage in the United States, India opted for a combination of three frontline pacers and two spinners. However, in the Super 8 match against Afghanistan, Mohammed Siraj was replaced by Kuldeep Yadav to bolster the spin attack. Hardik Pandya served as the third pacer, while Shivam Dube provided an additional seaming option.Manjrekar believes that India's diverse player pool allows them to adapt to different conditions and field the most effective lineup. "It's always advantageous to have multiple options, and that's crucial for any team management when there are exciting players to choose from," Manjrekar said on 'Caught & Bold' on Disney Hotstar. "However, they must prioritize selecting the best playing 11 to maximize India's chances of winning in specific conditions."India's impressive run in the ongoing T20 World Cup has showcased their versatility. They topped Group A with seven points after defeating Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. Their final group stage match against Canada was abandoned due to rain. In their first Super 8 game, India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs, with Suryakumar Yadav shining with a blistering 53 off 28 balls.India will face Bangladesh on Saturday at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, aiming to extend their unbeaten streak. The team's roster includes a mix of experienced and emerging players: Rohit Sharma (c), Hardik Pandya, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. Reserves include Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, and Avesh Khan.

India's Playing XI Balance Crucial for Success, Emphasizes Sanjay ManjrekarFormer Indian cricketer and renowned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has stressed the paramount importance of finding the optimal balance in India's playing XI to secure victories in different conditions. During the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the United States, India experimented with various combinations, opting for three frontline pacers and two spinners in the group stage. However, they altered their strategy in the Super 8 stage against Afghanistan, dropping Mohammed Siraj for Kuldeep Yadav to bolster their spin attack.Manjrekar believes that India's diverse pool of players provides them with ample options to choose from. However, he emphasizes that the team must prioritize selecting the best combination suited to the specific conditions they face. "It's always advantageous to have multiple options, but the key is to remain true to what would be the most effective playing XI to lead India to victory in a given situation," Manjrekar said.In the match against Afghanistan, Hardik Pandya assumed the role of the third pacer, while Shivam Dube provided an additional seam option. This shift demonstrated India's adaptability and willingness to adjust their balance based on the playing surface. Manjrekar's insights underscore the significance of flexibility and adaptability in team selection to suit varying conditions, which he believes will be crucial to India's success.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a humorous debate by suggesting that Pakistan's struggling captain, Babar Azam, should be replaced by former Pakistan cricketer and ex-PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. Manjrekar's tongue-in-cheek remark came during a discussion on Star Sports about Pakistan's disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage.Manjrekar's suggestion stems from Raja's successful tenure as PCB chairman from September 2021 to December 2022. Under Raja's leadership, Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup and the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Manjrekar quipped, "Maybe he can become a CEO for the team, who knows? Babar Azam could be replaced by Ramiz Raja as captain. He still looks fit."Manjrekar's playful suggestion highlights the growing criticism surrounding Babar Azam's captaincy. Many experts have called for his removal, citing Pakistan's recent struggles and Azam's inconsistent performances.Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar also weighed in on Pakistan's unpredictable nature. "You can never tell what is going to happen (with Pakistan)," said Gavaskar. "Babar was the captain six months ago in the ODI World Cup, and then he was removed. Shaheen Shah Afridi came for about two or three months, but they didn't have a good tour of New Zealand, and Babar comes back again."The saga surrounding Pakistan's captaincy is likely to continue in the coming weeks. The team's disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup has raised questions about the future of Babar Azam as captain.

Sanjay Manjrekar, a renowned cricket commentator and former India player, believes that the experience of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma could prove invaluable in the knockout stages of the T20 World Cup, even if they have struggled in the group stage.Manjrekar emphasized the importance of senior players delivering in crucial matches, stating, "You want to take your experienced players in World Cup to deliver when it really matters." He added that while it would be a bonus if younger players step up, the primary responsibility lies with the veterans.Regarding the future of Kohli and Sharma in T20 internationals after the World Cup, Manjrekar suggested that the decision would be made by the selectors and the players themselves. He noted that there is still a significant portion of the tournament remaining before such discussions begin.Manjrekar also commented on Shivam Dube's performance, expressing concerns about his ability to adapt to the Caribbean tracks. He highlighted the challenges of hitting through the line on pitches that may not be as conducive to power-hitting.Manjrekar praised the move to promote Rishabh Pant to No. 3, calling it a "brilliant move." He believes that Pant has been India's best batter in the tournament so far, showcasing his class on difficult pitches.Regarding India's spin bowling options, Manjrekar speculated that the team might opt for finger spinners (Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel) instead of wrist spinners (Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal) if the pitches in the West Indies offer significant turn. He explained that finger spinners are often more effective on rank turners.