New Delhi, November 25, 2024
Manjrekar’s Controversial Remark
During commentary for the first Test in Perth, Sanjay Manjrekar, in conversation with Mark Nicholas and Russel Arnold, discussed how Indian pitches once favored bowlers due to grassy surfaces. While emphasizing this, Manjrekar said, “Medium pacers like Vinay Kumar… with no disrespect… were topping the wicket-taking charts by bowling at 120 km/h in the right areas.”
Vinay Kumar’s Strong Rebuttal
Taking offense to the remark, Vinay Kumar responded on X (formerly Twitter):
“Your speed gun needs urgent servicing. Medium pacer? Seriously? I became the first Indian fast bowler to take 100 IPL wickets and represented India in all three formats.”
He added, “With God’s grace, I am content and proud of my achievements. Medium pacer like Vinay Kumar worked hard and delivered results. Best wishes and regards.”
Shami’s Recent Clash with Manjrekar
This is not the first time Sanjay Manjrekar has drawn criticism from Indian cricketers. Last week, Mohammed Shami took issue with Manjrekar’s prediction that Shami might see less interest from IPL franchises due to recent injuries. Shami silenced critics when the Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for INR 10 crore at the IPL 2025 auction.
India’s Test Domination in Perth
While the debate continues off-field, the Indian cricket team is on the verge of a historic win in Perth. Setting an enormous target of 534 runs, the team is aiming for a convincing victory against Australia, adding another glorious chapter to Indian cricket.
Legacy of Indian Pacers
Vinay Kumar’s response serves as a reminder of the hard work and achievements of Indian bowlers. His journey, marked by a 100-wicket milestone in the IPL and representing India across formats, underscores his contribution to Indian cricket, irrespective of labels.
As the cricketing world watches, these fiery exchanges highlight the pride Indian cricketers have in their legacies and contributions.