The Indian bowlers had a field day in the second T20I match against New Zealand that was held at the Eden Park, Auckland on Sunday, with Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja impressing, especially. On a sluggish track, both bowlers took control of the proceedings and limited the hosts to a below-par total on a batting paradise.
The score was easily chased down by India with KL Rahul, who smashed an unbeaten 50 in the game, leading the way. He ended up winning the Man of the Match award. Sanjay Manjrekar took to Twitter after the game and added that the MOM should have been a bowler.
Player of the match should have been a bowler. #INDvNZ
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 26, 2020
“Player of the match should have been a bowler. #INDvNZ,” he wrote.
In reply, Jadeja mocked Mankrekar and replied, “What is the name of that bowler?? Pls pls mention (sic)”. Manjrekar then mentioned that the award should have been given to either Bumrah or Jadeja.
Ha ha…Either you or Bumrah. Bumrah, because he was extremely economical while bowling overs no 3, 10, 18 and 20. https://t.co/r2Fa4Tdnki
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) January 27, 2020
It should be remembered that the two have been involved in fierce battles on Twitter in the past, which is what makes this banter all the more interesting. During the ICC World Cup in 2019, Manjrekar had named Jadeja as a ‘bits and pieces’ cricketer, which did not go down with the all-rounder, who had taken to Twitter and written, “Still I have played twice the number of matches you have played and I m still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved.i have heard enough of your verbal diarrhoea. @sanjaymanjrekar.”
In the next game that India played, Jadeja played a stellar hand with both bat and ball in the semis against New Zealand, which India was unable to win.
Still i have played twice the number of matches you have played and i m still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved.i have heard enough of your verbal diarrhoea.@sanjaymanjrekar
— Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) July 3, 2019
After the game, Manjrekar had apologized to Jadeja.
After the second T20I, Virat Kohli too lauded the bowlers. “The bowlers stood up and took control of what we wanted to do out there. Sticking to one side of the wicket was a very good feature for us as a team to restrict a good New Zealand team to 132 which I think was below par. The low total led us to bat in that manner but we thought the pitch was good for 160 in the first half. We understood the angles of the field better, how the pitch was playing and I had to think on my feet as a captain. The ball gripped for the spinners and I think Jadeja was outstanding. Chahal was a banker. Bumrah was amazing as well, and Shami and Shardul and Shivam making very good contributions with the ball but I think we backed it up in the field more importantly.”
