In a conversation with ESPN Cricinfo, Manjrekar recalled two instances when his remarks caused quite a stir on social media. He mentioned his spat with all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja during the World Cup and also about the “unprofessional and indecent” comment he made on commentator Harsha Bhogle.
“I started this profession in 1997-1998, so it’s been about 20-21 years. It’s been the worst year for me as an analyst and a commentator,” Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.
The former batsman clarified what he spoke about Jadeja. However, he didn’t regret his ‘bit and pieces’ statement as it was a commonly used phrase in cricket.
In response, Jadeja had taken to Twitter and wrote, “Still I have played twice the number of matches you have played and I’m still playing. Learn to respect people who have achieved. I have heard enough of your verbal diarrhoea Sanjay Manjrekar.”
The second incident Manjrekar spoke about occurred during the India vs Bangladesh historic day-night Test in Kolkata. His verbal spat with fellow commentator Harsha Bhogle over the visibility of the pink ball raked up another controversy.
“I want to get very serious about this,” he said. “See, one thing I pride myself on is being professional and with that particular comment, it was me losing control and I was unprofessional, I was wrong and something that I regret... it was wrong of me. That is what really bothers me that I let my emotions get the better of me. Mostly being unprofessional and to an extent indecent as well.”
“It was wrong and I say that because it was unprofessional and the first thing that I did was I had apologised to the producer that I was working for that it was wrong,” he added.