Social media erupted when cricket commentator Sanjay Manjrekar criticized the choice of the Man of the Match in the second T20i on January 26, 2020. This incident is part of a longer-running dispute between Manjrekar and Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja that started during the 2019 World Cup.
India dominated New Zealand, winning the five-game series 2-0. The victory was fueled by KL Rahul's half-century and the clinical bowling of Jadeja and Bumrah, who tore through the New Zealand lineup.
The conflict began on Twitter when Manjrekar dismissed Jadeja as a 'bits and pieces' player, claiming his batting was secondary to his bowling during the 2019 World Cup. Jadeja hit back, pointing out that his on-field experience far outweighed that of the commentator and insisting on professional respect. This exchange eventually led to a public apology from Manjrekar.
The feud resurfaced recently when Manjrekar posted on Twitter about the second T20i on Sunday, arguing that the Man of the Match award should have gone to one of the bowlers instead of a batsman.
Jadeja responded with a sarcastic list of the bowlers and a funny emoji, tagging Manjrekar in the process. Manjrekar countered by arguing that Bumrah's precision and Jadeja's two wickets made them the more deserving candidates. Given the history between them, fans suspect this spirited rivalry is far from over.