Soon after India completed a thrilling five-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, Sanjay Manjrekar, who was on commentary duty, faced Ravindra Jadeja in the post-match interview.

It did look weird to see both of them together, given that they’d engaged in a war of words on social media in the past. Before the conversation moved on to the game, Mankrekar enquired if Jadeja would talk to him. The Indian all-rounder replied in the affirmative.

“Well, I’ve got Ravindra Jadeja here with me. First question ‘You’re ok to talk to me, right, Jaddu?’,” asked Manjrekar. Jadeja replied, “Yeah, absolutely. I don’t have any problem.”

Many wondered why Manjrekar was hesitant to interview. The incident dates back to the 2019 ODI World Cup, when he called Jadeja a “bits and pieces” cricketer, as a reference to Jadeja’s all-round ability in limited-overs cricket.

“I am not a big fan of bits and pieces players which Jadeja is at this point of his career in 50-over cricket. In Test matches, he is a pure bowler. But in 50-over cricket, I would rather have a batsman and a spinner,” averred Manjrekar.

Jadeja was quick to revert, reminding the former Indian batter that he has played twice the number of games he played for the national side. “Still I have played twice the number of matches you have played and I am still playing. Learn to respect ppl who have achieved. I have heard enough of your verbal diarrhoea,” he retorted.

While there was a hint of truth when Manjrekar made this comment, a lot had changed in the next three years, with Jadeja establishing himself as one of the biggest match-winners of this Indian side.

On Sunday, the left-hander arrested the collapse with his well-made 35 – the highest score of the Indian innings. He also bowled two overs and conceded just 11 runs. India was made to toil hard but they rode on the hitting prowess of Hardik Pandya to overhaul the target with two balls remaining.

Lead Image: Ravindra Jadeja/Twitter