India thrashed New Zealand in the second T20I at Eden Park in Auckland to take 2-0 lead in the five-match series on Sunday. Indian bowlers produced a clinical performance and restricted the hosts at 132-5 in 20 overs. In reply, KL Rahul led his side to register a comprehensive victory with his unbeaten 50-ball 57 and grabbed the ‘Player of the Match’ award.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, however, felt that instead of Rahul, a bowler should have been given the award.
“Player of the match should have been a bowler. #INDvNZ,” tweeted Manjrekar.
Player of the match should have been a bowler. #INDvNZ
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 26, 2020
Some users agreed with Manjrekar, while some said that it was a fair decision to honor Rahul.
Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who took the wickets of Kane Williamson and Colin de Grandhomme for 18 runs in his four overs, also responded to Manjrekar’s post and asked him to specify which bowler.
“What is the name of that bowler?? Pls pls mention,” tweeted Jadeja.
What is the name of that bowler?? Pls pls mention 🤪
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) January 27, 2020
The cricketer-turned-commentator retorted to Jadeja’s question and named Jasprit Bumrah as his choice for the award, though he did take Jadeja’s name but focused more towards the pace bowler.
“Ha ha…Either you or Bumrah. Bumrah, because he was extremely economical while bowling overs no 3, 10, 18 and 20,” tweeted Manjrekar.
Ha ha…Either you or Bumrah. Bumrah, because he was extremely economical while bowling overs no 3, 10, 18 and 20. https://t.co/r2Fa4Tdnki
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 27, 2020
It’s not the first time that both the current and former Indian players have involved in banter. They grabbed headlines with a spat that took place between the two during the 2019 World Cup.
Right before the semi-final clash between India and New Zealand in July, Manjrekar had called Jadeja a “bits and pieces player,” after which he was trolled heavily on social media.
The Jamnagar-born riposted at Manjrekar’s comment on him and tweeted, “Still, I have played twice the number of matches you have played, and I’m still playing. Learn to respect people who have achieved. I have heard enough of your verbal diarrhea Sanjay Manjrekar.”
