Indian are facing Australia in the first Test of four-match series in Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, February 9. Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar heaped praise on Ravindra Jadeja ahead of the first Test as he made his comeback after five months.
The star all-rounder, who was suffering from a knee injury, is making his comeback in an international match after a five-month gap. He talked about the same and shed light on his excitement on getting back to the ground.
“I was eagerly waiting to make a comeback and play for India. I had been struggling with my knee for some time, so surgery was needed. I am very excited and feel good that after more than 5 months I am in the Indian jersey. I am lucky to have got the chance back. There were many ups and downs in the journey because it is not easy if you stay from cricket for 5 months.”
Jadeja is a ‘bits and pieces player’: Manjrekar in 2019
Both Jadeja and Manjrekar were engaged in a social media war when Manjrekar called Jadeja a ‘bits and pieces player’ in 2019 before India vs New Zealand match. The term means someone who is slightly good at batting and in bowling neither is his strength.
To this, Jadeja lashed out at Manjrekar and said, “Still, I have played twice the number of matches you played and I’m still playing. Learn to respect people who have achieved. I have heard enough of your verbal diarrhea Sanjay Manjrekar.”
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
In the World cup semi-final against the Kiwis, Jadeja played a great knock of 77 runs that almost took India to the finals. After that knock, Manjrekar was left embarrassed and said that the all-rounder ripped him apart in bits and pieces.
“Bits and by pieces, he just rippled me apart today. By bits and by pieces, he just proved me wrong on all fronts. But this is Ravindra Jadeja we have not seen very often. Today, he was brilliant, economical with the ball, and the familiar celebration,” Manjrekar had said in a tweet put up by the apex cricket body.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Jaddu to manjrekar pic.twitter.com/ii6TmeyQx8
— Prasun Jha (@jprasun21) February 9, 2023
Ok sanju manju pic.twitter.com/cTfu8feXka
— kaali. 🏳️🌈 (@oddtake) February 9, 2023
Jadeja to Manjrekar pic.twitter.com/gttTM1YCSO
— Yash Godara (@iamyashgodara77) February 9, 2023
Turning haters into fans. Just Sir jadeja things
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) February 9, 2023
Cant Expect This From Sanjay 🤪🤪🤪
— Ajay Garg (@ajay_garg1) February 9, 2023
Jadeja: pic.twitter.com/iV4OKEgDQU
— Ana de Armas stan (@abhithecomic) February 9, 2023
Andar se mn me kuchh or hi hoga 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
— Prateema Kumari (@kumari_prateema) February 9, 2023
Gambhir to Kohli😄
— CricketCameo1405 (@cricketcameo14) February 9, 2023
India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice-captain), Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, KS Bharat (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.
