No Problem With Ravindra Jadeja But Don't Like Players Like Him In White-Ball Cricket: Sanjay Manjrekar

Former India batsman Sanjay Manjrekar might face the heat once again for his latest comments for allrounder Ravindra Jadeja. More than a year after creating a storm with his ‘bits and pieces cricketer’ comment for the India ace, the former cricketer-turned-commentator has said he has problems with players like Ravindra Jadeja being a part of the T20I and ODI sides.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s comments came a day after India’s loss to Australia in the first ODI at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday. Playing their first game since March, the Men in Blue lost the game by 66 runs while chasing an improbable total of 375.

As far as Ravindra Jadeja’s performance in the match is concerned, the allrounder had an off day. He conceded 63 runs off his ten overs and failed to take any wicket. With the bat, he scored 25 off 37 balls when India needed some quick runs during the chase.

Sanjay Manjrekar on Ravindra Jadeja:

Speaking about the selection criteria, the outspoken commentator said that he does not like players who make it to the playing eleven without being a specialist in either batting or bowling. Not only that, he also stated that he would not include Hardik Pandya in his team.

“My selection and thoughts are based on a principle that I have learnt over the years: if you have specialists who can walk-in based on one discipline, you fill your team with those players,” Sanjay Manjrekar told The Hindu.

“I do not have a problem with Jadeja; I have a problem with his kind of cricketers in white-ball cricket. Even Hardik Pandya will not be in my team. They add illusionary value to the team. Of course, I have always rated Jadeja highly in the Test format,” he added.

This is not the first time, Sanjay Manjrekar has said something like this about Jadeja. During last year’s World Cup, he had called the allrounder ‘bits and pieces’ cricketer and was slammed from several quarters. Later, Jadeja had hit back at the commentator on Twitter before making him regret his words by coming up with a fine all round performance against New Zealand in the World Cup semifinal.

Also Read: Pakistani Woman Sensationally Accuses Babar Azam Of Sexually And Financially Abusing Her

Also Read: If Hardik Is Not Fit To Bowl Then Where Is Your 6th Bowling Option?- Gautam Gambhir