While Media Obsesses Over Virat Kohli & Co…: Sanjay Manjrekar’s Veiled Dig, Names ‘Best Player’

In a cricket-crazy nation like India, the spotlight often shines the brightest on the biggest names in the sport. Virat Kohli and his teammates, often hailed as cricketing demigods, routinely capture the headlines with their performances and off-field personas. However, former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has stirred the pot with a pointed comment on the media’s singular focus.

In a recent interview, Manjrekar expressed his frustration with the media’s obsession with a handful of star players, suggesting that this overshadowing often overlooks the contributions and potential of other exceptional talents in Indian cricket. His comments have sparked a fresh debate about the dynamics of media coverage in sports.

“While the media is busy talking about Virat Kohli and a few others, there’s a player who has been consistently outstanding, yet remains underappreciated,” Manjrekar remarked, hinting at the skewed coverage. He went on to name Ruturaj Gaikwad as his pick for the ‘best player’ in recent times, praising Gaikwad’s skill, temperament, and consistency.

Gaikwad, who has been making waves in domestic cricket and the Indian Premier League (IPL), has showcased a remarkable blend of classical technique and modern-day aggression. Despite his stellar performances, he often finds himself in the shadows of his more celebrated counterparts.

“Ruturaj has been phenomenal. His technique is impeccable, and he has shown great maturity in handling pressure situations. It’s high time he gets the recognition he deserves,” Manjrekar added, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and promoting emerging talents.

The conversation around media favoritism in sports isn’t new, but Manjrekar’s forthrightness brings it back to the forefront. Fans and analysts have chimed in, with many agreeing that the media’s focus often remains narrow, sidelining equally deserving players who could be the future of Indian cricket.

Social media platforms have seen a flurry of support for Gaikwad following Manjrekar’s comments. Hashtags like #RecognizeGaikwad and #BeyondKohli have been trending, indicating a broader call for a more inclusive appreciation of talent in Indian cricket.

As the cricketing world gears up for upcoming tournaments, it will be interesting to see if this call for broader recognition will influence media coverage and public attention. Meanwhile, players like Ruturaj Gaikwad continue to focus on their game, letting their performance speak volumes.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s critique serves as a reminder of the vast pool of talent in Indian cricket, urging fans and media alike to broaden their horizons and celebrate the game in its entirety. Whether this will lead to a shift in media narratives remains to be seen, but it undoubtedly shines a light on the unsung heroes of the sport.