Former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the aggressive celebrations by India's U19 players after their Asia Cup final victory over Pakistan. Sanjay Manjrekar called Pakistan a "soft & easy target" and challenged Indian cricketers to show the same aggression against stronger teams.
India, led by Lakshya Raichandani, pulled off a dramatic one-wicket win while chasing Pakistan's 338-run target in the Under-19 Asia Cup final on Saturday, November 14, in Al Amerat, Oman. The contest ended on the final delivery of the match, with India finishing at 339/9 after a remarkable lower-order fightback.
Sanjay Manjrekar Calls Pakistan a 'Soft & Easy Target' After India's U19 Celebrations
Sanjay Manjrekar shared his views on X (formerly Twitter) after the high-voltage final. He questioned the need for Indian players to display such aggression against Pakistan and stated they should show the same intensity towards Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and England.
"Indian cricket should now pick guys of their own size if they want to show ‘aggression’ on the field. Pak is now a soft & easy target. I suggest Aus, SA, NZ & Eng…," Sanjay Manjrekar wrote.
Indian cricket should now pick guys of their own size if they want to show ‘aggression’ on the field. Pak is now a soft & easy target. I suggest Aus, SA, NZ & Eng…
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 15, 2026
The former cricketer's comments drew mixed reactions from fans. While some agreed that the celebrations had crossed a line, several Indian supporters accused him of regularly criticising the team's passion and downplaying its achievements.
Mohit Ulva and Manal Chauhan Script Dramatic Final-Ball Win for India U19
India were at 252/8 at one stage while chasing 338, with 86 runs still required from 51 deliveries. Captain Lakshya Raichandani had earlier scored 80, while Aaryavir Sehwag contributed 58 to keep the chase alive. However, Manal Chauhan and Mohit Ulva added 57 runs for the ninth wicket.
Manal scored 47 off 32 balls before departing at 302, leaving India needing 36 runs with one wicket remaining. Chigurupati Venkata, playing his first match of the tournament, then supported Ulva with an unbeaten 11 off eight deliveries.
India entered the final over needing eight runs, with leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain defending the target. After five runs came off the first five deliveries, India required three from the last ball. Ulva struck a boundary and finished unbeaten on 49 off 26 balls. India sealed the one-wicket victory at 339/9.
India U19 Players' Gestures Towards Pakistan Opponents Spark Debate
The Indian players rushed onto the field as soon as Ulva hit the winning boundary, celebrating a victory that had looked unlikely just minutes earlier. However, videos showed some players making inappropriate gestures towards their Pakistan counterparts, including wicketkeeper Hamza Zahoor.
One clip reportedly showed Manal Chauhan gesturing towards Zahoor. Members of India's support staff also appeared to intervene as the celebrations escalated. Some supporters felt the players should have shown greater respect towards their opponents after the match.
The pressure of an India-Pakistan final and the excitement of a last-ball victory offered context for the emotional scenes. However, the debate centred on the distinction between celebrating a hard-fought win and directing inappropriate gestures at opponents who had just suffered a heartbreaking defeat.
