Few names in the world of cricket commentary are so controversial Sanjay Manjrekar. Recently, he found himself at the center of yet another ongoing controversy Sarhad Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. While discussing the evolution of pace bowlers, Manjrekar made a remark that quickly drew the ire of the former Indian pacer. Vinay Kumar. Kumar described as “120 km/h bowler” shows that such bowlers thrive mainly on pitches with little grass. This comment did not go down well with Kumar and he gave a sharp and witty reply which has since gone viral.
Vinay Kumar hits back at Sanjay Manjrekar with a sarcastic reply
Kumar, who has had an illustrious career in both domestic and international cricket, took to social media to directly address Manjrekar’s comments. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he quipped: “Sanjay bhai, with all due respect, your speed gun requires urgent service. 120 km/h? Seriously?” This remarkable remark not only highlights his pride in his achievements but also calls into question the accuracy of Manjrekar’s assessment of his bowling speed.
Kumar continued to assert his credentials by highlighting that he became the first Indian pacer to score 100 wickets in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He expressed his satisfaction with his career and added:I am proud of my achievements by God’s grace. I am satisfied, satisfied and happy with my life. A medium pacer like Vinay Kumar has worked hard to become the 1st Indian fast bowler to take 100 IPL wickets in all formats for the country. I am proud of my bowling. Best wishes and regards anyway.” This response underscores the hard work and dedication Kumar puts into his craft, avoiding any suggestion that he relies solely on favorable pitch conditions.
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Regards Sanjay bhai, your speed gun requires urgent service.
120KMPH 🥹 Seriously?
By the grace of God, I am proud of my achievements, I am satisfied, satisfied and happy with my life.
A middle timer like Vinay Kumar worked hard to become the 1st Indian fast…— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) November 24, 2024
Context of Manjrekar’s comment
Manjrekar’s comments came during a conversation about how local pitches have changed over the years. He noted that medium-pacers like Kumar thrived when conditions favored their bowling style. However, many interpreted his words as indifference rather than an appreciation of the skill required to excel at medium pace. The cricketer’s response not only defended his legacy, but highlighted a wider problem in cricket commentary: the tendency to underestimate certain types of players based on outdated metrics.
What was this terrible statement? @sanjaymanjrekar What does he mean by medium pacers like Vinay Kumar started to top the list of wicket takers. @nanuramu Also @HarishSI @karnataka_sport #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/c9tkpzF6DT
— Niran Poovanna (@niran_poovanna) November 23, 2024
This incident is not alone; it reflects a growing trend of cricketers feeling compelled to defend their legacy against critical commentary. Players used to like it Muhammad Shami and Ravindra Jadeja They also openly objected to Manjrekar’s words. Such exchanges reveal the underlying tension between former players turned commentators and those still active in the sport.
