Last night I read in the news that Sanjay Manjrekar, one of the most accomplished voices among Indian commentators, and one of my favorites was axed by Indian Cricket board from commentating on TV.
The news further stated Manjrekar, 54, who has played 37 Tests and 74 ODIs for India, had courted controversy during last year’s World Cup when he termed Ravindra Jadeja a 'bits and pieces cricketer', something that didn’t go well with the media with some circles questioning the Mumbaikar’s cricketing credentials and 'demanding his neck'.
During my leisure time, I watch a lot of sport. All forms of it. Cricket is no exception. Needless to say, I have heard a lot of Manjrekar.
Over the years I’ve seen Manjrekar pulling off excellent analysis of the game. He might not be as good as say Harsha Bhogle or Gavaskar, or the fluent Australians but he is still a decent commentator.
I loved his presentations, especially at IPL.
For one, the man’s got some strong opinions on everything cricket – similar to great commentators whom I enjoy listening - like the Pakistani Rameez Raja, England’s Nasser Hussain, Australia’s Shane Warne, the West Indians Ian Bishop & Michael Holding, and Zimbabwe’s Pommie Mbangwa, etc.
In today's world, people don’t need monotonous commentators like Sivaramakrishnan, Murali Karthik, Arun Lal, etc, who will state everything like radio-commentators and bore you; they have put me to sleep many a time. Same old analysis of the match going on, nothing new.
On TV, most things are obvious, the commentator needs to add his flavor which Manjrekar did best. His axing really shocks and baffles me.
I don’t think Sanjay Manjrekar, as a cricket commentator has violated any moral codes to be axed so unceremoniously without any reason.
He's been a great commentator with great qualities and world-class. I hope to see Manjrekar in the commentary box again.