Cricket commentator and former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar was not happy with the hype and craze that followed Gautam Gambhir's appointment as the new Indian head coach.
Gambhir, who had taken over the role from Rahul Dravid earlier this month, is in Sri Lanka for his first assignment as head coach of the Indian cricket team.
India will play six limited overs matches against Sri Lanka, which includes 3 T20Is, starting July 27, at Pallekele, and 3 ODIs starting on August 1.
What did Sanjay Manjrekar say about Gautam Gambhir after his appointment as Indian cricket head coach?
There has been excitement among the fans and former cricketers including Ravi Shastri ahead of the Indian team's first match under head coach Gautam Gambhir, when they take on Sri Lanka in the first T20I at Pallekele on July 27.
"We know with Gautam, he's a no-nonsense guy, and he'll have his ideas as well. And the good thing for him is he's got a mature team. He's got a settled team. I think even though you might think you're mature, you might benefit from some fresh ideas. So, I think it'll be interesting times," Shastri said
"He's contemporary, he just had a great season in the IPL. I think he's the right age where he's young, he'll come with fresh ideas. He knows most of the players, especially in the white-ball format, having been part of teams in the IPL. So, I think it's refreshing," Shastri added.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on IND vs SL T20I cricket action
However, it appears that some former players like Sanjay Manjrekar with whom Gambhir has commentated in the past, is not to happy with the hype and support that the latter has been receiving for the last couple of days.
Manjrekar took to the social media platform X (formerly twitter) to share his opinion about the craze following Gambhir's appointment, saying that the focus should be "about Indian cricket, not who the coach is."
"No coach, Lalchand Rajput, Gary Kirsten & Dravid. Coaches when India won WCs in 1983, 2007, 2011 & 2023. It’s really about Indian cricket, not who the coach is. Time we stop thinking there is a direct correlation," Manjrekar posted on X
No coach, Lalchand Rajput, Gary Kirsten & Dravid. Coaches when India won WCs in 1983, 2007, 2011 & 2023.
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 27, 2024
It’s really about Indian cricket, not who the coach is. Time we stop thinking there is a direct correlation.
However, his controversial opinion was not popular with the Indian fans on the platform, who felt that the commentator was attempting to take a needless dig at the new Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Fans accused Manjrekar of "bias" against non-Mumbai players, "jealousy" and even corrected the commentator about the World Cup year in which India had won the T20 World Cup 2024 under Rahul Dravid.
He's so Invested in his jealousy and agenda that he forgot Indian won in 2024 not 2023 😂😂😂
— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) July 27, 2024
Lobby getting triggered by the attention Gambhir is getting.
Mr manjrekar got offended! On what basis? How much jealousy u have from players we already seen and now on coaches as well as. Stop doing this unnecessary controversy and try to improve ur commentary 🤣 https://t.co/uWZsAgp0k3
— Shubham_Singh (@saffron_waver) July 27, 2024
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >