Sanjay Manjrekar takes a dig on Indian Head Coach, Gautam Gambhir.

Summary: Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar asks BCCI to keep Gautam Gambhir away from press conferences. 

Sanjay Manjrekar is no stranger to controversies, especially when it comes to criticizing other players. Recently, he’s found himself in yet another controversy for his comments on Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir. 

Gautam Gambhir was criticized by former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar for his actions during the press conference before the trip to Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25. 

Manjrekar urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to stop Gambhir from holding press conferences on social media. He wants Ajit Agarkar, the top selector, or skipper Rohit Sharma to speak to the media.

Gambhir looked as focused as ever during the press. Instead of sidestepping questions, he praised KL Rahul's adaptability and backed Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Gambhir chose to focus on the impending challenge in Australia, dismissing the recent 0-3 setback to New Zealand.

Despite being whitewashed by New Zealand in domestic conditions, Gambhir stated at the news conference on November 11 that he is not under pressure. The former Indian opener also took aim at Ricky Ponting, the former captain of Australia, for Virat Kohli's success in red-ball cricket over the previous five years. 

Gambhir said, "What does Ponting have to do with Indian cricket? I think he should think about Australian cricket and, more importantly, have no concerns whatsoever for Virat and Rohit. I think they are incredibly tough men. They've achieved a lot for Indian cricket and they will continue to achieve a lot in the future as well."

He also added, “I think for me, the most important thing is that they still work hard and are still passionate; they still want to achieve a lot more and that is very important. The hunger in that dressing room is incredibly important to me. And for the entire group of people as well in that dressing in the dressing room. And I feel there is a lot of hunger, especially after what has happened in the last series.”

However, this didn’t sit well with the former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, to which he expressed his opinion on X (formerly Twitter).

He wrote, "Just watched Gambhir in the press conference. It may be wise for @BCCI to keep him away from such duties and let him work behind the scenes. He does not have the right demeanor or the words when interacting with them. Rohit & Agarkar, much better guys to front up for the media."

His remarks on Gautam Gambhir didn't go well with the fans. Some commented, “We all think the same about your commentary and we’re tired of complaining about it, but nothing changes. So how about you deal with it just like we do?”

“May be wise for Manjrekar to be relieved of his duties as commentator. He is by far the worst Indian commentator of all time.”

Others said, “Sanjay Manjrekar weighing in on Gambhir's media skills—seems like old habits die hard! Manjrekar never misses a chance to critique, but maybe it's time to let others handle the press in their own style.”

One also said, “You’re constantly spreading hate and filth against fellow cricketers and staff. Jadeja was right when he said, ‘Enough of your verbal diarrhea.’”