Manjrekar vs Pathan: The Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has delivered plenty of drama, both on and off the field. While the match itself saw moments of brilliance and setbacks, it was the disastrous run out of Yashasvi Jaiswal on Day 2 that ignited a heated debate between former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan during the post match show.
With the two ex cricketers firmly divided over who was to blame, Virat Kohli or Yashasvi Jaiswal – the debate quickly escalated, leaving fans and experts buzzing about the incident.
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Manjrekar vs Pathan : Sparks Fly as Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan Debate Virat Kohli’s Role in Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Run Out
The Run Out That Sparked Controversy
The moment unfolded during the 41st over of India’s first innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was batting beautifully on 82, played a shot to mid on and called for a quick single. However, what followed was a chaotic mix up between the two batters.
- Kohli turned back to track the ball instead of responding to Jaiswal’s call.
- Both players ended up at the same end of the crease, leaving Jaiswal stranded and ultimately run out.
This dismissal proved to be a turning point for India, who had recovered from a shaky start thanks to a 101 run partnership between Jaiswal and Kohli. With Jaiswal gone, India lost momentum and finished the day at 164/5, still trailing Australia’s massive first-innings total of 474.
The Manjrekar vs Pathan Showdown
The run out soon became a topic of fierce debate during the post match analysis on Star Sports. Here’s what unfolded:
Sanjay Manjrekar: Kohli’s Schoolboy Error
Manjrekar didn’t mince his words, laying the blame squarely on Kohli.
- He argued that Kohli’s decision to look back at the ball instead of responding to Jaiswal’s call was a critical mistake.
- “Virat should have guided Jaiswal back. It’s a basic rule that the non-striker ensures the striker is safe,” Manjrekar said, calling Kohli’s hesitation a “schoolboy error.”
- He also suggested that Kohli might have been preoccupied with keeping strike for the next over, leading to his delayed response.
Manjrekar even claimed that Kohli’s subsequent dismissal – caught behind for 36 – could have been influenced by the guilt of causing Jaiswal’s dismissal.
Irfan Pathan: It Was a Risky Call
Pathan, on the other hand, defended Kohli, arguing that the single was never on to begin with.
- He maintained that Jaiswal’s decision to call for a run was overly optimistic, as the ball had traveled too quickly to the fielder, Pat Cummins.
- “Virat had every right to turn down the run if he felt it was too risky. It’s not just about responding to the call – it’s about assessing the situation,” Pathan explained.
The former all rounder also countered Manjrekar’s claim, saying, “If both had run, someone would have been out anyway. Kohli made the safer decision.”
The Heated Exchange
The debate quickly escalated as the two cricketers interrupted each other repeatedly:
- At one point, Manjrekar sarcastically remarked,“Irfan Pathan’s new interpretation of whether it is a run or not should be added to the coaching manual.”
- Pathan shot back, defending his stance and urging for a more nuanced view of the situation.
- The tension reached a peak when Manjrekar, visibly frustrated, said,“If you don’t want to let me talk, it’s alright.”
Despite the heated exchange, both analysts later downplayed the argument as a difference of opinion, with Pathan noting that such discussions are part of cricket’s rich discourse.
Fans and Experts Weigh In
The incident and the ensuing debate divided cricket fans and experts:
- Pro Manjrekar Fans: Many sided with Manjrekar, criticizing Kohli for his lack of awareness and hesitation.
- Pro Pathan Fans: Others agreed with Pathan, pointing out that Jaiswal’s risky call was the primary issue.
Social media platforms were flooded with contrasting opinions, with hashtags like #KohliRunOutDebate trending for hours.
The Broader Implications
Run-outs are a part of cricket, but incidents like these often highlight the importance of communication and understanding between batters. In this case, the lack of clarity between the experienced Kohli and the young Jaiswal proved costly.
What Could Have Been Done Differently?
- Kohli could have responded faster to Jaiswal’s call or sent him back immediately.
- Jaiswal, on the other hand, needed to better judge the fielder’s proximity before making the call.
As both players regroup for the next innings, lessons from this mix up will undoubtedly shape their approach in the future.
The Kohli-Jaiswal run out incident and the Manjrekar-Pathan debate have added another layer of intrigue to an already gripping Test series. While opinions remain divided, one thing is clear: moments like these are what make cricket endlessly fascinating.
As India looks to bounce back in the second innings, fans will hope for a renewed partnership between Kohli and Jaiswal, one built on better communication and fewer mix ups.
FAQs
Who is being blamed for the run out – Virat Kohli or Yashasvi Jaiswal?
Opinions are divided. Sanjay Manjrekar blamed Kohli for not responding to Jaiswal’s call, while Irfan Pathan argued that Jaiswal made a risky decision to call for a run
Did Kohli’s hesitation directly cause Jaiswal’s dismissal?
Manjrekar believes Kohli’s hesitation and decision to look back at the ball played a key role, while Pathan thinks the risky call from Jaiswal was the bigger issue
