Srinagar: Former India opener turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar is facing flak for his comments on India coach Gautam Gambhir.
Sanjay Manjrekar, had opined that the former India opener ‘does not have the right demeanour’ to speak to the media.
Manjrekar’s comment came just moments after Gambhir completed his pre-series media conference in Mumbai ahead of India’s departure for Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
Gambhir, in his first media interaction since India’s humiliating 0-3 whitewash at home against New Zealand, which sparked rumours over his future in the head coach role, put on a brave face and handled the questions with utmost composure and even resorted to a few cheeky replies.
“Just watched Gambhir in the press conference. May be wise for the BCCI to keep him away from such duties, let him work behind the scenes. He does not have the right demeanour nor the words when interacting with them. Rohit & Agarkar, much better guys to front up for the media,” Manjrekar said in his post on X.
However, social media was quick to send a reminder to Manjrekar of India captain Rohit Sharma’s “12 saal mein ek baar toh allowed hai” remark, which had come moments after the hosts succumbed to their first home Test defeat in 12 years earlier this month.
India’s immediate concern heading into the Perth opener on November 22 against Australia pertains to Rohit’s availability. Gambhir did not confirm the India captain’s stance, but admitted that the team has enough backup options to choose from.