NEW DELHI: Former Indian cricket Sanjay Manjrekar again rubbed a cricketer the wrong way by dragging the name of Vinay Kumar unnecessarily in a comment on live television.
While commentating on the first Test between India and Australia in Perth on Saturday, Manjrekar was talking about the development of fast bowlers in India over the last decade or so and said, “(It was regulated by the board), how much grass you need to have on the surface at the domestic level.But I think that’s gone, but what it also did was medium pacers like the Vinay Kumars, with no disrespect to him, were topping the wicket-taking charts because all they needed to do with grass on the pitch was put the ball at 120 kmph in the right area, and they got wickets.”
Clearly offended, Vinay Kumar posted on Sunday: “Sanjay bhai with due respect, your speed gun requires urgent servicing. 120KMPH ?? Seriously? With God’s grace I take pride in my achievements, I am contented, satisfied and happy with my life. Medium pacer like Vinay Kumar has worked really hard to become the 1st Indian fast bowler to take 100 IPL wickets also played for the country in all the formats. I take pride in my bowling. Anyways best wishes and regards”
Vinay Kumar is one of the most successful captains in Karnataka’s cricket history, having led the team to multiple domestic titles. With over 504 wickets in 139 first-class matches and significant contributions with the bat, he’s considered a domestic cricket legend and has also represented India in international cricket.
Vinay’s 442 Ranji Trophy wicket total is the most for a pace bowler and the fourth-highest in the history of the tournament.
Vinay took 105 wickets while playing 105 games for four different clubs in the IPL.