Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar. Credit: Twitter

Former Indian batsman Sanjay Manjrekar has often copped criticism for the ‘bits and pieces player’ comment made against Ravindra Jadeja. The statement usually comes up whenever Ravindra Jadeja performs well for India or the franchise. After the all-rounder’s burgeoning performances in the second Test against Australia, it happened again and Sanjay Manjrekar has clarified its meaning.

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Ravindra Jadeja has played a significant role in India’s victory not only in the second Test but also in the white-ball games. Jadeja, who suffered a concussion in the first T20I against Australia, returned to the playing eleven for the second Test in Melbourne. The southpaw contributed 57 runs with the bat, sharing a crucial partnership with Ajinkya Rahane in the first innings, alongside three wickets in two innings.

Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja
Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja. Image Credits: Getty Images

Mohammad Kaif, who was impressed by Ravindra Jadeja, reckoned that it’s time for India to stop searching for an all-rounder in Tests as the 31-year old is a perfect fit for the role. He tweeted “In my neck of the woods, there is a saying: bagal mein chora nagar mein dhindora. Can we officially stop the search for a Test all-rounder. Ravi Jadeja can handle short ball in Australia, takes crucial wickets on true wickets & is best fielder in the world. Period. Debate over,”

Sanjay Manjrekar responds comprehensively to a fan, who took a dig at him:

Sanjay Manjrekar, who made the bits and pieces comment, was trolled by a fan after commenting on Mohammad Kaif’s tweet. Manjrekar explained the term by stating that in Test matches, he has always endorsed Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion since he remains a formidable bowler and thus a specialist one.