Sanjay Manjrekar Controversial Statement on The Player of the Match Award To Virat Kohli In The T20 World Cup 2024

It was India’s bowlers who played the biggest role in this victory. But Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya scripted a turnaround in the last five overs. India, due to their exceptional bowling, took home the ICC trophy for the first time after 2013. Sanjay Manjrekar said Virat Kohli’s innings were such that South Africa nearly chased the target down. One of their most dangerous bowler, Hardik Pandya had just two balls to face By playing that inning, they were making it look like some kind of mockery.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s Opinion on Player of the Match Award: Virat  Kohli should rather be Man of the Match than a bowler! On Kohli, he said:

His strike rate was only 128 and thus did not “deserve” the award. I would have made my Player of the Match a bowler, as it was they who saved India from defeat and powered them to victory.

Well, the cricket analyst took no time bashing Manjrekar over this. Many also pointed out that India won largely because of its bowlers. Many believed Virat Kohli’s innings provided the team with just enough runs on board to defend. The Indian captain, Rohit Sharma, took India to their second T20 World Cup title. Following the win, Sharma declared his exit from T20Is. It was an accolade that many applauded and one which represented the best of his career.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s Opinion On Virat Kohli’s Player Of The Match Award

However, after all, the views of Sanjay Manjrekar did spark a debate among cricket lovers, Though Virat Kohli’s innings held the key, the bowlers’ show in death overs proved to be a vital step. Did Virat Kohli deserve the Player of the Match award? India’s team effort was remarkable, going on to win a few memorable matches this year.

Being an analyst and a cricket lover, it is interesting how different aspects impact overall results in games like these. While Virat Kohli set up the platform with his innings, it was a total team effort from India’s bowlers to seal victory. It is a team game, and everyone, whatever their small or big contribution, contributes to the result.

It would be right to suggest that this match will remain in the memories of cricket lovers as one where Virat Kohli played a sensational inning and Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya ensured an exciting finish. India won due to their exceptional bowling and took home the ICC trophy after 13 years of wait.