There are a few factors that makes viewing sports on television interesting. While the game, the opponents and the stadium atmosphere play a major role, one of the driving forces that ensure that the viewer is glued to the screen is the commentary.
Over the years cricket has seen some big names call the games. While in the past we had the likes of Richie Benaud, Tony Greig, Geoffrey Boycott and Bill Lawry, the present generation has been kept engaged by the voices of Harsha Boghle, Nasser Hussain, Michael Holding, Sunil Gavaskar and Saurav Ganguly. And it’s not surprise that these guys are now busing with the 2019 ICC World Cup engagements.
Though a few names have been added to the World Cup roster, the quality of commentary has been top notch to say the least, expect when it comes to certain Sanjay Manjrekar. The former Indian batsman, who took up the role of a commentary post retirement, has been at the receiving end of some stern criticism from the fans.
I’d rather watch cricket on mute than listen to Sanjay Manjrekar. Why does he talk so much.
— pranaygtm (@pranaygtm29) June 16, 2019
Sanjay manjrekar is so irritating , mocking Pakistani crowd and team . Comparing few Pakistanis in green with the security staff of the ground was shameful . #CWC2019 #PakvsInd
— SobiaShah (@SjShah1) June 16, 2019
Could someone get Sanjay Manjrekar off the freakin' microphone please. Such irritating commentary.
— Ma# (@thoughtcheckin) June 16, 2019
Commentary these days has become like a Kitty Party. People just praising and talking amongst each other. Somebody tell them that our ears are bleeding. #IndiaVsPakistan
— Trendulkar (@Trendulkar) June 16, 2019
And if the above reactions on social media weren’t enough, during the Indian innings against Pakistan on Sunday Manjrekar went on to compare skipper Virat Kohli to sprint great Usain Bolt.
In an innings filled with some great shots, Kohli relied on quick singles to put extra pressure on the Pakistani fielders. The stats team for the game would calculate Kohli’s running speed for one such single at 25 kmph. This was enough for Manjrekar to instantly compare the Indian skipper to Bolt, who, by the way, could clock up to 37 kmph on his day.
Manjrekar further credited the Indian cricketer of running with such velocity despite having so much of extra weight of the pads and other protective gear along with the bat in his hands. It goes without saying that this comparison
Stupid commentary from Sanjay Manjrekar!!! Michael Clarke applauds VKohli for his running speeds and this guy compares him to Usain Bolt and says VKohli is not even half of Bolt 🤯 #RIPcommentary
— Sourabh Katariya (@skatariya1204) June 16, 2019
Manjrekar now trying to compare Kohli with Usain Bolt. At this rate he is next in line to lead Congress’s social media campaign.
— Arnab Ray (@greatbong) June 16, 2019
Feature image courtesy: Twitter/ @sanjaymanjrekar
