He said it on air while commentating for the Hindi broadcast team in the ongoing Women's T20 World Cup 2024.
A former Indian cricketer has found himself in a sticky spot after passing a controversial comment on North Indian players. He said it while commentating on air during India’s Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 opener against New Zealand last night (October 4).
Ex-cricketer turned pundit Sanjay Manjrekar has now sparked fury and come under severe criticism for his take.
Manjrekar was commentating for the Hindi broadcast team when the commentary panel started discussing Munish Bali, who is the fielding coach for the current India women’s team after having made the step over from the U-19 men’s unit.
During the conversation, Manjrekar’s co-commentator mentioned that Bali had previously played cricket for Punjab before taking up his coaching duties.
To that, Manjrekar responded: “Sorry, meine unko pehechana nahin. North ke players ke saath mere zyaada dhyaan nahin hota. (Sorry, I didn’t recognize him. I am not too aware of players from the North.)”
Fans expected someone like Manjrekar, who was selected for the World Cup commentary team, to be knowledgeable about such a seasoned and key figure within the Indian squad.
Bali brings significant international experience, having served as the assistant coach for the U-19 team that won the World Cup in 2008, featuring outstanding fielders like Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Manish Pandey. He also worked alongside VVS Laxman when the former India batter temporarily filled in for Rahul Dravid, joining the men’s senior team as a fielding coach during tours of Ireland and New Zealand.
On the other India, India suffered a significant 58-run loss to New Zealand in Dubai in their tournament opener, with their batting lineup struggling during the chase as no player managed to score more than 15 runs. With group stage qualification crucial, the team will aim for a strong comeback in their next match against arch-rivals Pakistan.
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