Manjrekar criticizes BCCI for exempting Kohli, Rohit from Duleep Trophy
What's the story
Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer and now commentator, has criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) for its alleged preferential treatment of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
He expressed his concern after the duo's underwhelming performance against Bangladesh in the 1st Test.
Manjrekar suggested that their absence from the recently-concluded Duleep Trophy could have negative implications for Indian cricket and other players.
Performance review
Their performance in 1st Test against Bangladesh
Despite a lackluster performance from Kohli and Sharma, India secured a victory over Bangladesh by 280 runs in the 1st Test.
Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin contributed to India's win.
However, Manjrekar pointed out that the selection committee led by Ajit Agarkar had been accused of favoring these two cricketing giants by exempting them from participating in the Duleep Trophy 2024.
Concerns raised
Manjrekar's concerns over preferential treatment
Manjrekar voiced his concerns about the potential negative impact of this preferential treatment on other players.
"I'm not worried, but I'm sure somebody made a note of the fact that they would have been better off had they played some red-ball cricket," he told ESPNcricinfo.
He further added that such special treatment was neither beneficial for Indian cricket nor for Kohli and Sharma themselves.
Future outlook
Confidence in the duo
Despite his criticisms, Manjrekar expressed confidence in the duo's ability to bounce back in the 2nd Test against Bangladesh.
He acknowledged their extensive experience and talent, but maintained that special treatment of certain players could be detrimental to others.
"One has to be careful about treating certain players differently and do what's best for Indian cricket and for the player," added Manjrekar.