The India vs Sri Lanka first Test witnessed plenty of action on the field, but an entertaining exchange between former India cricketers Murali Kartik and Sanjay Manjrekar became one of the talking points of Day 3. The two commentators engaged in a playful yet increasingly fiery banter during Sony Sports Network’s Extraaa Innings programme from the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Kartik started the exchange by taking a humorous dig at Manjrekar’s facial expressions while speaking on air. “You have the pout of the century, but because of your pout, we are not able to understand what you say,” Murali Kartik joked, asking his fellow commentator to limit the pout.
Manjrekar was quick to respond, simply calling the remark “a bad one.” The banter then pulled former India batter Ajinkya Rahane into the conversation, with the Mumbai connection adding another layer to the light-hearted exchange.
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Rahane immediately tried to distance himself from the argument, saying he was not involved. Manjrekar then turned the conversation towards Rahane, praising him as a more pleasant person to talk to and even joking about his appearance.
Kartik objected to the apparent comparison, saying, “You can’t discriminate.” Sanjay Manjrekar then fired back with another cheeky comment aimed at Kartik. The exchange continued as the two former cricketers traded witty remarks, with Kartik claiming that he never looks at himself in the mirror.
THAT ESCALATED QUICKLY! 😂
Shots were fired, comebacks followed, and our Extraaa Innings panel had an absolute laugh! 😅
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The conversation reached its most entertaining point when Manjrekar suggested that the argument could cross the line and joked that social media would have a field day. The playful verbal battle quickly became a memorable off-field moment from Day 3 of the Galle Test.
Meanwhile, the action on the field remained firmly in India’s favour for much of the day. India had posted a commanding 462 in their first innings, with Devdutt Padikkal producing a brilliant 167 to lead the batting effort. India resumed from 460/9 and added only two runs before being bowled out. Sri Lanka then struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack, losing five wickets for 90 runs.
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However, the hosts staged a recovery before tea. Niroshan Dickwella and Sonal Dinusha put together a crucial partnership, helping Sri Lanka reach 214/5 at the break. Their resistance gave the hosts some hope of reducing India’s advantage in the opening Test.
Earlier, Shubman Gill also produced a spectacular moment in the field, taking a sensational catch at extra cover to dismiss Kamindu Mendis. With India holding a substantial first-innings lead, the visitors remained in a strong position heading into the final sessions of Day 3.
