Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar recently stirred controversy with comments that many perceived as divisive, specifically targeting North Indian cricketers during the T20 World Cup 2024. While providing commentary, Manjrekar stated that he doesn’t pay much attention to cricketers from North India, a remark that quickly garnered backlash from various sections of cricket fans and experts alike.
Adding fuel to the fire, Manjrekar made another statement following Sarfaraz Khan’s maiden international century during the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he praised Sarfaraz’s batting but in a way that further sparked criticism.
WATCH – Rohit Sharma Leads Applause As Sarfaraz Khan Scores Maiden Test Century
In his tweet, Manjrekar wrote, “Love how Sarfaraz Khan is giving the finger to the ‘Mumbai school of batting’. Finally, it’s all about runs & boy he knows how to get those!” His emphasis on the “Mumbai school of batting” seemed to draw a sharp line, which didn’t sit well with many fans, who felt he was diminishing the broader scope of Indian cricket.
Love how Sarfaraz Khan is giving the finger to the ‘Mumbai school of batting’ 😉
Finally, it’s all about runs & boy he knows how to get those! 👏👏👏#INDvNZ— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 19, 2024
Manjrekar also went on to compare the young Sarfaraz to the legendary Pakistan cricketer Javed Miandad, noting similarities in their approach to spin and pace. “He reminds me of a 2024 version of Javed Miandad from the 1980s. I was impressed with how Sarfaraz handled both spin and fast bowling,” Sanjay Manjrekar said during an interview with ESPNcricinfo.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant’s Close Call: Mix-Up With Sarfaraz Khan Nearly Leads To Run-Out
He further highlighted Sarfaraz’s ability to duck bouncers late on Day 3, demonstrating his adaptability and intent to remain unbeaten as bad light threatened to end play. “He was smartly playing defensively, showing another aspect of his game, which bodes well for him and Team India,” Sanjay Manjrekar added.
However, Sanjay Manjrekar’s association of Sarfaraz’s batting with the Mumbai style, rather than celebrating him as a representative of Indian cricket as a whole, sparked outrage. Many social media users criticized him for what they saw as regional favouritism and accused him of promoting a divisive, and even racist, agenda.
You have to mention Mumbai everytime when he’s nothing like a typical Mumbai batsman
High back lift— 🐐 (@viratxgoat18) October 19, 2024
Always peddling mumbai cricket above India cricket
— Bhavnoor 𝕏 (@BhavnoorSB) October 19, 2024
Bhai tera koi quota h ki har roz itane hazar Gali khani hi h 🤬🤬🤬 Yaha bhi Mumbai le hi aya chaman ch***
— Vidit Chauhan #Sidhearts❤️ (@ARFOREVER16) October 19, 2024
