The bitter-sweet banter between Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and cricketer-turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar never gets old. The two were at it again on Twitter recently when the latter expressed his views over the Man of the Match award after India’s convincing seven-wicket victory over host New Zealand in Auckland.
After the likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami restricted New Zealand to 132 in the second T20I, KL Rahul (57*) and Shreyas Iyer (44) played an impeccable 86-run stand to guide India to go 2-0 up in the five-match series.
Rahul, for his brilliant form, was given the Man of the Match award, but Manjrekar was of the opinion that "Player of the match should have been a bowler." And given how brilliantly the bowlers restricted the hard-hitting Kiwis to a paltry score, he was indeed right about it.
Bumrah and Shami delivered brilliantly, but the best from the lot was a certain Ravindra Jadeja who picked two wickets – of Kane Williamson and Colin de Grandhomme - while only conceding 18 runs in four overs.
What is the name of that bowler?? Pls pls mention 🤪
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) January 27, 2020
Reacting to Manjrekar’s views, the all-rounder seemed in a cheeky mood and said, “What is the name of that bowler?? Pls pls mention.” Sadly for him though, Manjrekar decided to go with Bumrah as he was quite economical in his spell during the death overs.
“Ha ha...Either you or Bumrah. Bumrah, because he was extremely economical while bowling overs no 3, 10, 18 and 20,” Manjrekar reacted.
Ha ha...Either you or Bumrah. Bumrah, because he was extremely economical while bowling overs no 3, 10, 18 and 20. https://t.co/r2Fa4Tdnki
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 27, 2020
It is to note that both Jadeja and Manjrekar share a bitter history altogether which dates back to the 2019 World Cup in England. Back then the commentator had said that regardless of Jadeja’s all-round capabilities, he is not a big fan of his.
"I am not a big fan of bits and pieces players which Jadeja is at this point of his career in 50-over cricket. In Test matches, he is a pure bowler. But in 50-over cricket, I would rather have a batsman and a spinner," Manjrekar told IANS.
To this, the southpaw responded, “Still I have played twice the number of matches you have played and I’m still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved. I have heard enough of your verbal diarrhea.”
But well, the two have sorted things out since.
Feature Image courtesy: AFP, Twitter / Jewel Samad, @sanjaymanjrekar
