16 days ago
'You train them to repeat': Sanjay Manjrekar calls out BCCI & ICC over leniency on Yashasvi Jaiswal & Vaibhav Sooryavanshi despite on-field misbehaviour originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the ICC and BCCI for handing lenient punishments to Yashasvi Jaiswal over an on-field clash.
Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando were fined 25 per cent of their match fee and given one demerit point each.
Manjrekar also referenced a similar incident involving young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was fined 50 per cent of his match fee.
Sanjay Manjrekar has hit out at cricket's governing bodies, BCCI & ICC, over what he sees as a repeated pattern of soft punishment for on-field misconduct, pointing to Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent confrontation with Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando as the latest example.
#manjrekar #BCCI
Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the ICC and BCCI for handing lenient punishments to Yashasvi Jaiswal over an on-field clash.
Jaiswal and Asitha Fernando were fined 25 per cent of their match fee and given one demerit point each.
Manjrekar also referenced a similar incident involving young prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who was fined 50 per cent of his match fee.
Sanjay Manjrekar has hit out at cricket's governing bodies, BCCI & ICC, over what he sees as a repeated pattern of soft punishment for on-field misconduct, pointing to Yashasvi Jaiswal's recent confrontation with Sri Lanka's Asitha Fernando as the latest example.
#manjrekar #BCCI
23 days ago
Former India cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Murali Kartik, who are part of the broadcast team for India's tour of Sri Lanka, found themselves involved in an awkward exchange during the Galle Test on Monday.
The two were discussing the ongoing match when their conversation unexpectedly shifted from cricket to Manjrekar's facial expressions. What started as a joke quickly turned into a series of personal remarks between the two former cricketers.
Kartik began by poking fun at Manjrekar's expression, asking him to stop making what he called the "pout of the century" because it was making his speech difficult to understand.
"That's a bad one," Manjrekar replied and also responded with a comment about Kartik's appearance, suggesting that the camera focus on someone else because the other person, Ajinkya Rahane in this case, had a more pleasant face. The exchange continued as both took further digs at each other.
Watch:
Kartik hit back, saying Manjrekar was the one who liked looking at himself, while Manjrekar suggested there was an incentive for Kartik to look in the mirror.
Kartik said he never looked at himself and added that people who had played or worked with Manjrekar would know him well. Manjrekar then appeared to realise that the exchange could go too far, acknowledging that they were approaching a line.
The conversation ended with Manjrekar saying, "We are both going to cross lines here and social media will have a field day."
The unusual on-air exchange quickly attracted attention because of how far the banter moved away from cricket.
While both former players appeared to be trading jokes, the comments became increasingly personal before Manjrekar attempted to bring the interaction to an end.
#personal
The two were discussing the ongoing match when their conversation unexpectedly shifted from cricket to Manjrekar's facial expressions. What started as a joke quickly turned into a series of personal remarks between the two former cricketers.
Kartik began by poking fun at Manjrekar's expression, asking him to stop making what he called the "pout of the century" because it was making his speech difficult to understand.
"That's a bad one," Manjrekar replied and also responded with a comment about Kartik's appearance, suggesting that the camera focus on someone else because the other person, Ajinkya Rahane in this case, had a more pleasant face. The exchange continued as both took further digs at each other.
Watch:
Kartik hit back, saying Manjrekar was the one who liked looking at himself, while Manjrekar suggested there was an incentive for Kartik to look in the mirror.
Kartik said he never looked at himself and added that people who had played or worked with Manjrekar would know him well. Manjrekar then appeared to realise that the exchange could go too far, acknowledging that they were approaching a line.
The conversation ended with Manjrekar saying, "We are both going to cross lines here and social media will have a field day."
The unusual on-air exchange quickly attracted attention because of how far the banter moved away from cricket.
While both former players appeared to be trading jokes, the comments became increasingly personal before Manjrekar attempted to bring the interaction to an end.
#personal
24 days ago
Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up about the criticism he faced early in his international career, recalling how a strongly worded ***** sment from former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar left him angry and hurt after a difficult tour of Australia. Ashwin's struggles came during India's 2011-12 tour of Australia, where he managed only nine wickets in three Tests at an average of 62. India suffered a 0-4 series defeat.
Reflecting on the experience, Ashwin said Manjrekar's column initially left him deeply disappointed.
"After my first Australia tour, Sanjay Manjrekar wrote a long article. When I was returning, I read the whole thing, and after reading it, I got really angry. I actually felt bad. Anger was just a reaction, but I felt really bad. But after that, I slept on the flight and let it go. Back then, I didn't talk to Sanjay much," Ashwin said on Jio Hotstar.
Rather than allowing the criticism to affect him, Ashwin eventually chose to look at Manjrekar's comments objectively and identify areas where he could improve. The off-spinner said he worked extensively on his bowling and fitness over the next few years.
"...after coming back home, I worked really hard for the next four years. I wasn't a gifted athlete. I worked very hard, and in 2015, he wrote another article saying that I was bowling so well now and that he wanted me to keep performing like that, " Ashwin added.
Ashwin eventually got Manjrekar's number and sent him a message explaining how he had initially felt about the criticism.
"Then I asked for his number and messaged him that I had felt bad back then, but his article came to me like a guru and changed my life. Because there was substance in what he said. So, if I ever get criticised, I just think about whether there's something to learn from it. If I feel there's something to learn, I take it, " he concluded.
Ashwin went on to establish himself as one of India's greatest match-winners, finishing his international career with 765 wickets and 4,394 runs across 287 matches. He retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024, and finished as India's second-highest wicket-taker in international cricket, behind Anil ***** ble.
#ashwin #australia #tour #really
Reflecting on the experience, Ashwin said Manjrekar's column initially left him deeply disappointed.
"After my first Australia tour, Sanjay Manjrekar wrote a long article. When I was returning, I read the whole thing, and after reading it, I got really angry. I actually felt bad. Anger was just a reaction, but I felt really bad. But after that, I slept on the flight and let it go. Back then, I didn't talk to Sanjay much," Ashwin said on Jio Hotstar.
Rather than allowing the criticism to affect him, Ashwin eventually chose to look at Manjrekar's comments objectively and identify areas where he could improve. The off-spinner said he worked extensively on his bowling and fitness over the next few years.
"...after coming back home, I worked really hard for the next four years. I wasn't a gifted athlete. I worked very hard, and in 2015, he wrote another article saying that I was bowling so well now and that he wanted me to keep performing like that, " Ashwin added.
Ashwin eventually got Manjrekar's number and sent him a message explaining how he had initially felt about the criticism.
"Then I asked for his number and messaged him that I had felt bad back then, but his article came to me like a guru and changed my life. Because there was substance in what he said. So, if I ever get criticised, I just think about whether there's something to learn from it. If I feel there's something to learn, I take it, " he concluded.
Ashwin went on to establish himself as one of India's greatest match-winners, finishing his international career with 765 wickets and 4,394 runs across 287 matches. He retired from international cricket on December 18, 2024, and finished as India's second-highest wicket-taker in international cricket, behind Anil ***** ble.
#ashwin #australia #tour #really
26 days ago
Devdutt Padikkal made a strong statement in India's first Test against Sri Lanka, dominating the opening day in Galle and strengthening his case for a permanent place at No. 3. Drafted into the playing XI after Sai Sudharsan was ruled out with an injury, Padikkal produced a magnificent unbeaten 131 on Day 1. He looked completely at ease against Sri Lanka's spinners and helped India finish the rain-curtailed opening day on 288/2 after 73 overs.
His performance has now earned high praise from former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, who believes Padikkal's ability against spin makes him an ideal No. 3 option for India even after Sudharsan returns.
While Padikkal was compiling his century, Manjrekar took to X to highlight the batter's impressive technique against spin.
"Devdutt Padikkal god sent for India v spinners. Excellent technique, both in defence & attack."
Manjrekar later elaborated on Padikkal's strengths during a discussion on Sony Sports, pointing to his ability to combine defence, strike rotation and attacking strokes against spin.
"Devdutt Padikkal was the big change that India had, I really think selection is so good that when you see Padikkal walk in and play spin so comfortably, because he's good in defense against spin, he's good at picking 1s and 2s when the field is slightly deep, and then he's also good at playing attacking shots, and that too off the back foot on slow, turning pitches, " Manjrekar said.
Padikkal repeatedly used the depth of the crease to negate Sri Lanka's spinners while also stepping out whenever the bowlers offered him an opportunity. One of the standout moments came when he charged Prabath Jayasuriya and lofted the left-arm spinner over long-on for a six.
For Manjrekar, however, it was Padikkal's ability to score off the back foot on a slow, turning surface that particularly impressed him.
"That's something remarkable. On slow, turning pitches, to hit shots off the back foot with a straight bat and the pull shot tells you that it's somebody who wants to get onto the back foot, and the best way to play spin on a slow, turning pitch is to play the majority of the bowling off the back foot, " he added.
"Along with that, he's also got this knack of going down the pitch and hitting the ball over the sight screen. So on pitches where there is going to be an emphasis on spin, India should bat him at number 3 even if Sai Sudharsan comes back, because he looks such a formidable player against spin, I think it was godsent for India, Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3 with the kind of spin talent he has," Manjrekar said.
Padikkal was handed the No. 3 role following Sudharsan's injury and responded with a career-defining performance. His unbeaten 131 also made him the first Indian batter to score a Test century on Independence Day, while he became only the second Indian cricketer after Virat Kohli to score an international century on August 15.
#devdutt #good
His performance has now earned high praise from former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, who believes Padikkal's ability against spin makes him an ideal No. 3 option for India even after Sudharsan returns.
While Padikkal was compiling his century, Manjrekar took to X to highlight the batter's impressive technique against spin.
"Devdutt Padikkal god sent for India v spinners. Excellent technique, both in defence & attack."
Manjrekar later elaborated on Padikkal's strengths during a discussion on Sony Sports, pointing to his ability to combine defence, strike rotation and attacking strokes against spin.
"Devdutt Padikkal was the big change that India had, I really think selection is so good that when you see Padikkal walk in and play spin so comfortably, because he's good in defense against spin, he's good at picking 1s and 2s when the field is slightly deep, and then he's also good at playing attacking shots, and that too off the back foot on slow, turning pitches, " Manjrekar said.
Padikkal repeatedly used the depth of the crease to negate Sri Lanka's spinners while also stepping out whenever the bowlers offered him an opportunity. One of the standout moments came when he charged Prabath Jayasuriya and lofted the left-arm spinner over long-on for a six.
For Manjrekar, however, it was Padikkal's ability to score off the back foot on a slow, turning surface that particularly impressed him.
"That's something remarkable. On slow, turning pitches, to hit shots off the back foot with a straight bat and the pull shot tells you that it's somebody who wants to get onto the back foot, and the best way to play spin on a slow, turning pitch is to play the majority of the bowling off the back foot, " he added.
"Along with that, he's also got this knack of going down the pitch and hitting the ball over the sight screen. So on pitches where there is going to be an emphasis on spin, India should bat him at number 3 even if Sai Sudharsan comes back, because he looks such a formidable player against spin, I think it was godsent for India, Devdutt Padikkal at No. 3 with the kind of spin talent he has," Manjrekar said.
Padikkal was handed the No. 3 role following Sudharsan's injury and responded with a career-defining performance. His unbeaten 131 also made him the first Indian batter to score a Test century on Independence Day, while he became only the second Indian cricketer after Virat Kohli to score an international century on August 15.
#devdutt #good
27 days ago
When Yashasvi Jaiswal walked out to bat in Galle for the first Test against Sri Lanka, he was playing the 30th Test of his career. The milestone came with an unusual record - Jaiswal has played each of his first 30 Tests at a different venue.
The India opener has never played a Test at the same ground twice.
His journey began in Roseau in July 2023 and, after stops across the Caribbean, South Africa, India, England and Australia, he reached his 30th Test in Galle on Saturday.
Jaiswal has made a strong start to his Test career. In 30 matches, he has scored 2,567 runs in 55 innings, including seven centuries and 13 fifties. His highest score is an unbeaten 214, while his batting average stands at 48.43.
Jaiswal's unique record also puts him in the company of two former India batters.
Sanjay Manjrekar played his first 33 Tests at 33 different venues, while Sachin Tendulkar appeared at 32 different venues in his first 32 Tests.
However, the landmark Test ended on a disappointing note for Jaiswal as he was run out for 32.
Jaiswal had looked comfortable during his 37-ball stay and was helping India make a steady start in Galle. But an unfortunate mix-up with KL Rahul brought his innings to an early end.
Jaiswal lost his balance after a collision with the bowler, and confusion followed between the two batters. Both Jaiswal and Rahul ended up at the non-striker's end, leaving Jaiswal stranded and forcing him to walk back.
Test
#jaiswal #test #tests #played
The India opener has never played a Test at the same ground twice.
His journey began in Roseau in July 2023 and, after stops across the Caribbean, South Africa, India, England and Australia, he reached his 30th Test in Galle on Saturday.
Jaiswal has made a strong start to his Test career. In 30 matches, he has scored 2,567 runs in 55 innings, including seven centuries and 13 fifties. His highest score is an unbeaten 214, while his batting average stands at 48.43.
Jaiswal's unique record also puts him in the company of two former India batters.
Sanjay Manjrekar played his first 33 Tests at 33 different venues, while Sachin Tendulkar appeared at 32 different venues in his first 32 Tests.
However, the landmark Test ended on a disappointing note for Jaiswal as he was run out for 32.
Jaiswal had looked comfortable during his 37-ball stay and was helping India make a steady start in Galle. But an unfortunate mix-up with KL Rahul brought his innings to an early end.
Jaiswal lost his balance after a collision with the bowler, and confusion followed between the two batters. Both Jaiswal and Rahul ended up at the non-striker's end, leaving Jaiswal stranded and forcing him to walk back.
Test
#jaiswal #test #tests #played
2 months ago
Former India captain Ajay Jadeja has backed Ben Stokes' decision to retire from international cricket, saying the England all-rounder made the "right call" and suggesting the decision reflected his unwillingness to let people outside the dressing room dictate how he should live his life.
Stokes announced his retirement after one of the most decorated careers in English cricket, bringing the curtain down on a journey that included match-winning performances in the 2019 ODI World Cup final, the unforgettable Headingley Ashes Test later that year, and several other memorable moments across formats.
Reacting to the announcement on Sony Sports, Jadeja said he admired Stokes for standing by his principles.
"I think he made the right call, and I'll go one step further. Especially for a country's cricket team captain to be told what he can do in the evening and what he can't, there are some people who can take it, but geniuses like him are not going to be ruled by people who are not on the field."
Jadeja added that he would have understood if such instructions had come from within the team setup, but not from administrators.
"If there are people in the dressing room wanting you to do something, that is a different story. But when people running the game try and tell you how to live your life and what to do, I am very happy. Not happy that he's going to retire and we won't see him play, but here is a man who said, 'OK, this is it.' He has been a controversial man. He played controversially."
Stokes' retirement came less than three weeks after he was involved in an off-field controversy following England's victory in the first Test against New Zealand. Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached the team's midnight curfew and were reportedly present during an incident at a London nightclub involving an ECB security staff member and a Saracens rugby player.
The ECB subsequently made both players unavailable for the second Test while an investigation by the Cricket Regulator was conducted, with Joe Root stepping in as stand-in captain.
However, the Cricket Regulator later found insufficient evidence to establish any breach of ECB Cricket Regulations and cleared both players. The ECB also stated that no blame should be attached to either player for the violent incident, confirming that Stokes was not involved in or witness the altercation, while Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, meanwhile, admitted he was saddened by Stokes' retirement, describing it as the end of an era.
"It's depressing for me on the count that two retirements of two all-time greats, Kane Williamson and Ben Stokes, and the surprising timing of the retirements as well."
Manjrekar said Stokes' greatness could never be measured solely by numbers.
"Ben Stokes, I maintained that this is not the guy who will average 50 or get 600 wickets, but he had this unique ability to perform greatness on the big
Stokes announced his retirement after one of the most decorated careers in English cricket, bringing the curtain down on a journey that included match-winning performances in the 2019 ODI World Cup final, the unforgettable Headingley Ashes Test later that year, and several other memorable moments across formats.
Reacting to the announcement on Sony Sports, Jadeja said he admired Stokes for standing by his principles.
"I think he made the right call, and I'll go one step further. Especially for a country's cricket team captain to be told what he can do in the evening and what he can't, there are some people who can take it, but geniuses like him are not going to be ruled by people who are not on the field."
Jadeja added that he would have understood if such instructions had come from within the team setup, but not from administrators.
"If there are people in the dressing room wanting you to do something, that is a different story. But when people running the game try and tell you how to live your life and what to do, I am very happy. Not happy that he's going to retire and we won't see him play, but here is a man who said, 'OK, this is it.' He has been a controversial man. He played controversially."
Stokes' retirement came less than three weeks after he was involved in an off-field controversy following England's victory in the first Test against New Zealand. Stokes and Gus Atkinson breached the team's midnight curfew and were reportedly present during an incident at a London nightclub involving an ECB security staff member and a Saracens rugby player.
The ECB subsequently made both players unavailable for the second Test while an investigation by the Cricket Regulator was conducted, with Joe Root stepping in as stand-in captain.
However, the Cricket Regulator later found insufficient evidence to establish any breach of ECB Cricket Regulations and cleared both players. The ECB also stated that no blame should be attached to either player for the violent incident, confirming that Stokes was not involved in or witness the altercation, while Atkinson was the victim of unprovoked attacks and did not retaliate.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, meanwhile, admitted he was saddened by Stokes' retirement, describing it as the end of an era.
"It's depressing for me on the count that two retirements of two all-time greats, Kane Williamson and Ben Stokes, and the surprising timing of the retirements as well."
Manjrekar said Stokes' greatness could never be measured solely by numbers.
"Ben Stokes, I maintained that this is not the guy who will average 50 or get 600 wickets, but he had this unique ability to perform greatness on the big
2 months ago
India suffered a shocking 2-0 T20I series defeat to Ireland, marking the first time they have lost a bilateral T20I series against the Irish side. After dominating the IPL on batting-friendly surfaces, India's young batting unit struggled to adapt to the seamer-friendly conditions in Ireland as the hosts outplayed them in both matches. The result also marked another series defeat for Gautam Gambhir in his tenure as head coach.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the defeat exposed a flaw in India's team composition rather than just their execution. He argued that India have become overly reliant on batting all-rounders and now urgently need a specialist middle-order batter, also he cites why Shubman Gill should make a comeback in T20I setup.
Taking to X, Manjrekar wrote: "It was too little earlier… under Gambhir, it is too many. The 'all-rounders'. India need a PURE middle-order batter, ****** to!"
— sanjaymanjrekar (sanjaymanjrekar)
During the broadcaster's post-match discussion, Manjrekar further explained that Indian batters must develop the technique to succeed on pitches offering ****** istance to bowlers, instead of relying solely on the flat batting tracks they are accustomed to at home and in the IPL. He cited Shubman Gill as the ideal example of a batter capable of thriving in such conditions and backed the India ODI captain to eventually make a return to the T20I setup.
"Shubman Gill... just for people to understand, this is a guy who is a T20 batter now and had a tremendous IPL as well. I'm not talking about captaincy, but these are the players you slowly want to introduce back into T20 cricket because they have a little more depth in conditions like these and are used to them as well, like we saw when he played in England and overseas," Manjrekar said.
"That is the path for Shubman Gill going forward. It won't happen immediately, but I think you will slowly start seeing him back in India's T20 plans," he added.
— VihanWahi44569 (VihanWahi44569)
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes the defeat exposed a flaw in India's team composition rather than just their execution. He argued that India have become overly reliant on batting all-rounders and now urgently need a specialist middle-order batter, also he cites why Shubman Gill should make a comeback in T20I setup.
Taking to X, Manjrekar wrote: "It was too little earlier… under Gambhir, it is too many. The 'all-rounders'. India need a PURE middle-order batter, ****** to!"
— sanjaymanjrekar (sanjaymanjrekar)
During the broadcaster's post-match discussion, Manjrekar further explained that Indian batters must develop the technique to succeed on pitches offering ****** istance to bowlers, instead of relying solely on the flat batting tracks they are accustomed to at home and in the IPL. He cited Shubman Gill as the ideal example of a batter capable of thriving in such conditions and backed the India ODI captain to eventually make a return to the T20I setup.
"Shubman Gill... just for people to understand, this is a guy who is a T20 batter now and had a tremendous IPL as well. I'm not talking about captaincy, but these are the players you slowly want to introduce back into T20 cricket because they have a little more depth in conditions like these and are used to them as well, like we saw when he played in England and overseas," Manjrekar said.
"That is the path for Shubman Gill going forward. It won't happen immediately, but I think you will slowly start seeing him back in India's T20 plans," he added.
— VihanWahi44569 (VihanWahi44569)
2 months ago
'Under Gambhir, it's too many all-rounders': Sanjay Manjrekar says India need a pure middle-order batter after IRE defeat originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
India lost the T20I series against Ireland by 0-2, with both losses owing to middle-order batting collapses.
Manjrekar feels that India have used too many all-rounders under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Manjrekar has asked for the inclusion of a "pure middle-order batter".
India's 0-2 T20I series defeat against Ireland brought to fore the frailties in its middle order comprising various all-rounders.
India lost the T20I series against Ireland by 0-2, with both losses owing to middle-order batting collapses.
Manjrekar feels that India have used too many all-rounders under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
Manjrekar has asked for the inclusion of a "pure middle-order batter".
India's 0-2 T20I series defeat against Ireland brought to fore the frailties in its middle order comprising various all-rounders.
3 months ago
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes Sanju Samson cannot afford too many failures with young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi waiting in the wings, following India's disappointing start to the T20I series against Ireland.
India, led by new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, suffered a 34-run defeat in the opening match of the two-game series in Belfast on Friday. The loss has intensified calls for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi to be handed his international debut in the second and final T20I at the same venue on Sunday.
For the series opener, the Indian team management retained the opening pair of T20 World Cup 2026 heroes Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench. Whether the teenage batting prodigy gets his opportunity in the next match remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of Sunday's contest.
Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India's successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, failed to make an impact against Ireland. The wicketkeeper-batter managed only five runs from four deliveries before being dismissed.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network after India's defeat, Manjrekar said both Samson and Abhishek Sharma must remain alert because of the growing competition for places at the top of the order.
"But Sanju Samson needs to be careful because Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is breathing down his and Abhishek Sharma's necks," Manjrekar said on the Sony Sports Network.
Despite backing Sooryavanshi's immense talent, Manjrekar felt the youngster alone would not have been able to change the outcome of the opening game. He explained that the difficult chase required an explosive start as well as sustained momentum, making the task challenging regardless of who opened the innings.
"I think he would have done what Abhishek did, slightly better, maybe. A chase where you had to do everything in the first six overs. You had to carry that momentum for the rest of the overs as well. So he could have made things a little easier in the chase, but the target became just too big, and conditions weren't easy. And you saw in the tri-series in Dambulla as well how the sixes weren't coming as often to him," Manjrekar said.
The former India batter also pointed out that Sooryavanshi had experienced similar challenges during the tri-series in Dambulla, where clearing the ropes consistently proved difficult. While he believes the youngster may have made a difference during the Powerplay, Manjrekar maintained that there is currently no vacancy at the top of India's batting order.
"And it was a reminder, and I'm very glad that you know I said that earlier as well, that people got an idea as to how sixes are not so easy to hit. So Vaibhav would have managed it in the first six overs, but he also would have had his work cut out later. And to answer your question, I don't think it would have made that much of a difference unless you want to play him down the order. Middle order, there is some place
India, led by new T20I captain Shreyas Iyer, suffered a 34-run defeat in the opening match of the two-game series in Belfast on Friday. The loss has intensified calls for 15-year-old Sooryavanshi to be handed his international debut in the second and final T20I at the same venue on Sunday.
For the series opener, the Indian team management retained the opening pair of T20 World Cup 2026 heroes Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, leaving Sooryavanshi on the bench. Whether the teenage batting prodigy gets his opportunity in the next match remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of Sunday's contest.
Samson, who was named Player of the Tournament during India's successful T20 World Cup campaign earlier this year, failed to make an impact against Ireland. The wicketkeeper-batter managed only five runs from four deliveries before being dismissed.
Speaking on Sony Sports Network after India's defeat, Manjrekar said both Samson and Abhishek Sharma must remain alert because of the growing competition for places at the top of the order.
"But Sanju Samson needs to be careful because Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is breathing down his and Abhishek Sharma's necks," Manjrekar said on the Sony Sports Network.
Despite backing Sooryavanshi's immense talent, Manjrekar felt the youngster alone would not have been able to change the outcome of the opening game. He explained that the difficult chase required an explosive start as well as sustained momentum, making the task challenging regardless of who opened the innings.
"I think he would have done what Abhishek did, slightly better, maybe. A chase where you had to do everything in the first six overs. You had to carry that momentum for the rest of the overs as well. So he could have made things a little easier in the chase, but the target became just too big, and conditions weren't easy. And you saw in the tri-series in Dambulla as well how the sixes weren't coming as often to him," Manjrekar said.
The former India batter also pointed out that Sooryavanshi had experienced similar challenges during the tri-series in Dambulla, where clearing the ropes consistently proved difficult. While he believes the youngster may have made a difference during the Powerplay, Manjrekar maintained that there is currently no vacancy at the top of India's batting order.
"And it was a reminder, and I'm very glad that you know I said that earlier as well, that people got an idea as to how sixes are not so easy to hit. So Vaibhav would have managed it in the first six overs, but he also would have had his work cut out later. And to answer your question, I don't think it would have made that much of a difference unless you want to play him down the order. Middle order, there is some place
