Former India opener Murali Vijay has taken a dig at former Mumbai cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar over his comments during the first Test between India and Australia in Nagpur. Manjrekar admitted to being surprised when a stat was presented regarding the conversion rates of Indian openers in Tests at home. The list showed Vijay at the top of the list, with the likes of Mohammad Azharuddin, Polly Umrigar, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli following.
Vijay expressed his disappointment in a series of tweets, with the first one reading: “@sanjaymanjrekar Surprised wow”. He continued, saying: “Some Mumbai ex-players can never be appreciative of the south ! ”
Vijay’s remark comes as a surprise to many as he is known for his reserved and dignified nature. However, it appears that he has taken Manjrekar’s comments personally and feels that he has been disrespected. This is not the first time Manjrekar has faced criticism for his comments, and many feel that his remarks can often be insensitive and dismissive towards cricketers who have dedicated their lives to the sport.
Murali Vijay, who recently announced his retirement from international cricket, played a total of 61 Tests, 17 ODIs and nine T20 Internationals for India. He was a crucial member of the Indian cricket team and made many memorable contributions to Indian cricket. He will be remembered for his batting style, his fielding abilities and his contributions to the team.
In conclusion, Vijay’s dig at Manjrekar is a testament to the disappointment felt by cricketers when their achievements are not recognized and appreciated. It is important for commentators to be sensitive towards cricketers and to acknowledge their contributions to the sport. Only then can we create a positive and supportive environment for cricketers to grow and excel in their careers.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to Murali Vijay’s clap back:
I still don’t understand why is that person always preferred in Star Sports commentary panel… very irritating & worst commentator, broadcaster of all time.
Replace that with gem of a DK in comm box forever
— Adi (suspended soul) (@aaditea_) February 10, 2023
— ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ ︎ (@hiteshm09) February 10, 2023
Manjrekar said he was surprised to see murli in the list of top conversion rates.
Chin up mr Vijay. You had a fine career compared to many others & especially manjrekar.— TANISHQ ABHI GUPTA (@tanishqgupta437) February 10, 2023
Sanjay Manjrekar is just a poor commentator, he will pick up on a bit, behave like he discovered something and go on for at least 10 overs. Wish his batting lasted as long.
— Vengabus (@Vengabus) February 10, 2023
Now that Manjrekar has derided Ashwin, Ash is all set for a big score. Jadeja has been playing brilliant cricket since Manjrekar yapped about him as bits and pieces.
— Vengabus (@Vengabus) February 10, 2023
Interesting to see him surprised on looking at stats and being surprised. That's all he knows this game! A 'Monk' should never lose his cool 😉 we loved your brand of Cricket and stats speak for itself. That's all matters..
— Arun Kumar K (@arunkumark86) February 10, 2023
— Rama (@WobbleSeam) February 10, 2023
Many however also criticised Vijay for dragging Mumbai’s name into the tweet and creating a divide between the north and the south of India.
That is such an insensitive tweet. This tweet never had to include Mumbai and South words. One person doesn't represent whole Mumbai. Say it directly.
— Vikas Dwivedi (@Vikas_K_Dwivedi) February 10, 2023
Mentioning Mumbai and South was totally uncalled for. Everybody knows Sanjay Manjrekar is more of criticizing. Stop polarizing!
— Parth J.🇮🇳 (@parthj67) February 10, 2023
Dont do south west east north here , what sanjay majrekar said was wrong, the way he said "surprise to see murli viay at the top in the list of most 50s to 100s conversion on indian soil "
— Kari 🇮🇳 (@garib_guitarist) February 10, 2023
Shows how obsessed you are with Mumbai cricket scene.. No wonders why you couldn't make it big.. Cricketers who represent nation must not have such silly regional feelings.
— anish sasi penujuru (@pjjkbeiosmsnen) February 10, 2023
Update: The chart was brought up again on the screen while Sanjay Manjrekar was commentating on the ongoing India vs Australia Test match. This time, however, Manjrekar seemed to change his tone given he must have gotten many angry messages on Twitter.
Speaking on the same time about Murali Vijay’s stat, Majrekar said, “Vijay, good to see him in the list. We tend to forget his contribution. Great conversion rate.”
Well played star sports. Brought up again that stat when Manjrekar was on mic.
Manjrekar: "Vijay good to see him in the list. We tend to forget his contribution. Great conversion rate"Manju played here again saying 9 out 12 hundred are at home. Haha war continues #MuraliVijay pic.twitter.com/lPsw645ulr
— Rohit.Bishnoi (@The_kafir_boy_2) February 10, 2023
As for the match, India has taken a 144-run lead in the ongoing India vs Australia 1st Test match. Rohit Sharma (120) has been the top scorer for the team after he brought out an incredible century.