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"Take A Chill Pill, Be Open": Sanjay Manjrekar Taunts Gambhir Over Explosive Presser

Akshita Patel

Sanjay Manjrekar unimpressed with Gautam Gambhir [Source: @ProbalD68776849, @sanjaymanjrekar/X.com]Sanjay Manjrekar unimpressed with Gautam Gambhir [Source: @ProbalD68776849, @sanjaymanjrekar/X.com]

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has asked India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir to take a chill pill after his fiery press conference following the 4th Test between India and England in Manchester. The match ended in a dramatic draw, but the real heat came off the field when Gambhir lashed out at critics questioning captain Shubman Gill’s leadership and batting.

Gambhir was visibly upset when asked about Gill’s performance and future as captain. He hit back strongly, saying people who doubted Shubman Gill didn’t understand cricket. His passionate defence of the young skipper grabbed headlines, but not everyone was impressed.

Sanjay Manjrekar Rebukes Gautam Gambhir’s Attitude In Press Meet

Speaking on JioHotstar, Sanjay Manjrekar reacted to Gautam Gambhir’s fiery attitude. He said the Indian coach needs to calm down and be more open to tough questions from the media. He further said that the questions asked were valid, but they got under Gambhir’s skin.

"Yeah, you can tell there are certain questions that get under his skin — especially when people question Gill as a young captain and batter. And honestly, those are valid doubts. Even people who deeply understand cricket wonder whether this was the right time to hand him that opportunity," the ex-cricketer said.

Manjrekar believes the head coach needs to understand that everyone is working in the same ecosystem and understands the game better. However, he doubted whether Gambhir’s tone would at all change in the future.

"I just hope we can all understand this better. It's not about ‘you guys think’ and ‘we think’ — we're all part of the same industry and the same country. I'd just like to see him take a chill pill, relax a bit, and be open to tough questions. Whether that will happen, I’m not sure," he added.

Manjrekar Slams Gambhir’s Comments On Karun Nair

When asked about the reasoning behind dropping Karun Nair in the 4th Test, Gautam Gambhir said the senior wasn’t ‘dropped’ but left out due to a complication in the team combination. However, Sanjay Manjrekar criticised the head coach again for mincing his words.

“And to suggest that Karun Nair ‘wasn’t dropped’… come on. You guys see it as a drop; for them, it’s about ‘picking the right team’. If someone is dropped, he is dropped. I feel India has done well despite some of his (Gambhir) tactical decisions. Let’s not forget: India lost 3-0 at home (to) New Zealand, lost comfortably to Australia (away). The fight we’ve seen in this team? That’s down to the players. Because tactically, Gambhir hasn’t always made things easier – especially with some of his selections,” Manjrekar concluded.

Not only that, Manjrekar opined that Gambhir’s tactical decisions have been ordinary, and credits go to India for managing to put up a fight despite the head coach’s miscues.