The India-Sri Lanka Galle Test has produced plenty of drama on the field, but there was also an unexpected moment of tension in the commentary box. Former India cricketers and commentators Sanjay Manjrekar and Murali Kartik were involved in an awkward exchange during the live broadcast of the first Test.
What began as a seemingly light-hearted remark quickly became uncomfortable as Kartik took aim at Manjrekar’s mannerisms while speaking on air.
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“A gentle request and a big request from one and all. You have the pout of the century, but because of your pout, we are not able to understand what you say. So please limit that pout,” Kartik said to Manjrekar.
Manjrekar was quick to hit back. “That’s a bad one. Can we make the split screen and shift the camera to the other guy? Because he’s a much more pleasant person to talk to and he’s got a much more pleasant face as well. I just wonder, ‘superb, superb, superb’, Murali Kartik’s voice, looking at himself in the mirror,” he said.
Kartik responded: “I don’t look at myself, ever. That’s you. That is only you. If anyone knows you, that is only you, people who have played with you, people who have worked.”
Manjrekar then delivered another pointed remark before appearing to recognise that the exchange was heading too far.
“Because there is an incentive, there is an incentive to look in the mirror. For you, I can understand it’s not very motivating, anyway. We are both going to cross lines here and social media will have a field day,” he said.
INDIA SIX WICKETS AWAY FROM GALLE VICTORY
The exchange took place as India remained firmly in control of the Test. India were bowled out for 462 in their first innings before Sri Lanka were dismissed for 284, giving the visitors a 178-run lead. India then declared/finished their second innings on 193, setting Sri Lanka a daunting target of 372.
At stumps on Day 4, Sri Lanka were 84/4 after 34 overs and still needed 288 runs for victory. India therefore require six wickets on the final day to complete a win, although the weather could still play a role in determining the outcome.
Manav Suthar and Ravindra Jadeja have been among India’s key performers with the ball, while Rishabh Pant also created history by becoming the first Indian batter to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.
With Sri Lanka’s middle order facing a difficult task on a turning Galle surface, India enter the final day as clear favourites. But after four days of fluctuating weather and plenty of twists, the visitors will know they still have work to do before they can celebrate.
– Ends
