Sanjay Manjrekar Advocates for Inclusion of Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah in Duleep Trophy

Sanjay Manjrekar Advocates for Inclusion of Rohit, Kohli, and Bumrah in Duleep Trophy

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has expressed his opinion that star players Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah should have been included in the first round of the Duleep Trophy. The tournament, which marks the beginning of India’s domestic season, will commence on September 5 in Bengaluru and Anantapur.

Manjrekar’s suggestion stems from the fact that these players have had ample rest in recent times. He pointed out that Rohit Sharma has played only 59% of India’s 249 international matches in the last five years, while Virat Kohli has played 61% and Jasprit Bumrah has played only 34%.

“I see them as well-rested India players. Could have been selected for the Duleep trophy,” Manjrekar said on ‘X’.

The BCCI has announced that Ravindra Jadeja has been released from participation in the Duleep Trophy without providing a reason. Additionally, Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik will not feature as they are recovering from recent illness. Navdeep Saini and Gaurav Yadav have been named as replacements.

The Duleep Trophy is crucial in identifying key players for India’s packed Test calendar and their readiness for the World Test Championship final. India’s home season will commence with a two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai, followed by a second game in Kanpur beginning on September 27. Following this series, India will play three Test matches against New Zealand in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Subsequently, the team will travel to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which begins on November 22 in Perth.

Gautam Gambhir's Coaching Tenure Sparks Debate: Manjrekar Downplays Coach's Role

Gautam Gambhir’s Coaching Tenure Sparks Debate: Manjrekar Downplays Coach’s Role

The appointment of Gautam Gambhir as the Indian cricket team coach has sparked anticipation and debate within the cricketing fraternity. Gambhir, known for his aggressive leadership and tactical acumen, has a proven track record of success as a mentor. Under his guidance, Kolkata Knight Riders won the IPL 2023 title, and Lucknow Super Giants reached two consecutive IPL playoffs.

As the Indian team enters a crucial phase, with senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja retiring from T20Is, Gambhir’s role becomes even more significant. However, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has downplayed the importance of the coach’s role, stating that it is ultimately the players who determine the team’s success.

Manjrekar’s comments, though intended as a general observation, have been interpreted by some as a veiled attack on Gambhir. This has led to a heated debate on social media, with fans and experts weighing in on the matter.

Despite Manjrekar’s skepticism, Gambhir’s appointment has been met with optimism by many. His ability to inspire and motivate players, coupled with his tactical nous, is seen as a valuable asset for the Indian team.

India’s recent history in ICC tournaments has been a mixed bag. They won the ODI World Cup in 1983 without a designated head coach. In 2007 and 2011, MS Dhoni led the team to World Cup victories under different coaches. Under Ravi Shastri’s mentorship, India came close to winning the World Test Championship final and the ODI World Cup final in 2023.

Rahul Dravid’s tenure as coach culminated in India’s triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024 in Barbados, ending their 11-year-long ICC title drought.

As Gambhir takes charge of the Indian team, he will be tasked with building a cohesive unit capable of challenging for major trophies. His experience and leadership qualities will be crucial in guiding the team through this transition period.

Manjrekar Sparks Debate: Coaches Not Key to India's World Cup Success

Manjrekar Sparks Debate: Coaches Not Key to India’s World Cup Success

Sanjay Manjrekar’s recent comments on the role of coaches in the Indian cricket team’s success have sparked a heated debate on social media. Manjrekar, a former India cricketer, suggested that there is no direct correlation between the presence of a coach and the team’s ability to win World Cups.

Manjrekar’s remarks came just as Gautam Gambhir, another former India cricketer, prepares to take over as the head coach of the Indian men’s national team. Manjrekar argued that India’s success in cricket is more dependent on the overall functioning of the system rather than the individual coach.

He pointed out that India won its first ODI World Cup in 1983 without a designated head coach. The team also enjoyed successful stints under MS Dhoni in 2007 and 2011, despite having different coaches on both occasions.

Under Rahul Dravid’s mentorship, India lifted the T20 World Cup 2024 title in Barbados, ending their 11-year-long ICC title drought. India also came close to winning the World Test Championship final and ODI World Cup final against Australia last year.

Manjrekar believes that the focus should be on the players and the system, rather than the coach. He emphasized that India’s success in cricket is a result of the collective efforts of the players, the support staff, and the overall cricketing ecosystem.

“No coach, Lalchand Rajput, Gary Kirsten & Dravid. Coaches when India won WCs in 1983, 2007, 2011 & 2023. It’s really about Indian cricket, not who the coach is. Time we stop thinking there is a direct correlation,” Manjrekar wrote on Twitter.

Many fans took to social media to criticize Manjrekar’s comments, especially considering the timing. Gambhir’s first coaching assignment will begin in Sri Lanka later in the day as Suryakumar Yadav-led India will take on the hosts in the first T20I of the three-match series in Pallekele.

Sanjay Manjrekar's Surprising Squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Sanjay Manjrekar’s Surprising Squad for T20 World Cup 2024

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has unveiled his 15-member squad for India’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, sparking both surprise and debate among fans and experts.

Manjrekar’s squad features some unexpected inclusions and omissions. Notably, he has left out talismanic batter Virat Kohli, who has been a mainstay in India’s T20I setup for over a decade. Instead, he has opted for Lucknow Super Giants all-rounder Krunal Pandya.

At the top of the batting order, Manjrekar has gone with Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Sanju Samson and Suryakumar Yadav complete the top four, while Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Samson provide wicket-keeping options.

In the all-rounder department, Manjrekar has selected Ravindra Jadeja and Krunal Pandya, leaving out pace-bowling all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube.

For the spin attack, Manjrekar has picked Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal, while Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are his marquee pacers. Avesh Khan and Mayank Yadav have also earned spots in the squad.

Manjrekar’s decision to snub Kohli has raised eyebrows, given the batter’s exceptional record in T20 cricket. However, Manjrekar has defended his choice, stating that he believes the team needs a more balanced approach.

“I think we need to move away from the idea of having a fixed top three or four batters,” Manjrekar said. “We need to have players who can bat anywhere in the order and contribute with both bat and ball.”

Manjrekar’s squad has sparked a lively debate on social media, with fans and experts weighing in on his selections. It remains to be seen whether his predictions will come to fruition, but his bold choices have certainly added to the anticipation surrounding the T20 World Cup 2024.

Rishabh Pant's IPL Brilliance Fuels T20 World Cup Inclusion Debate

Rishabh Pant’s IPL Brilliance Fuels T20 World Cup Inclusion Debate

Rishabh Pant’s scintillating performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) has reignited the debate about his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Pant’s unique abilities make him an indispensable asset for the team.

Pant’s blistering knock of 88 not out against Gujarat Titans on Wednesday night showcased his exceptional power-hitting prowess. He smashed eight sixes and five fours at a strike rate of 204.6, helping Delhi Capitals post a mammoth total of 224/4.

Manjrekar emphasized that Pant’s ability to score quick runs and win matches single-handedly sets him apart from other Indian wicket-keeper batters. “He’s a guy who will get you a hundred in 60 balls and win the game,” Manjrekar said. “That’s something not too many in the Indian team will do.”

Pant’s temperament and ability to thrive under pressure were also highlighted by Manjrekar. “He’s just in a different kind of space where that kind of stage, platform just allows him to flourish more,” he added.

Another former India cricketer, Deep Dasgupta, echoed Manjrekar’s sentiments, stating that Pant is an automatic choice for the playing XI. “He’s there in my playing 11 without a shadow of doubt,” Dasgupta said. “He’s fitter, he’s quicker, he’s batting better.”

Pant’s impressive IPL campaign has seen him score 342 runs in nine matches, including three half-centuries. His explosive 88 not out knock has put him in contention to be India’s wicketkeeper batter at the T20 World Cup.

With the ICC’s submission date for team selections set for May 1, participating teams have until May 25 to make changes to their original selections. Pant’s recent performances have undoubtedly strengthened his case for inclusion in the Indian squad.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart