IND vs NZ T20 World Cup 2026 Final: Just a few days after the Men in Blue won the T20 World Cup 2026 title, ex-India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar's comment on the historical achievement gained attention online. Manjrekar posted on his official X account, stating that, according to cricket fans, winning the ODI World Cup and the WTC title are generally regarded as more significant milestones than the T20 World Cup title.
Despite not winning the 2023 ODI World Cup, which was held in India, and failing to qualify for the WTC final after losses to New Zealand and South Africa, the Indian team found success elsewhere during this period.
During the same period, India's T20I side showcased brilliant cricket, securing consecutive T20 World Cup titles and becoming the first team in tournament history to do so.
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This remark by Manjrekar, however, drew criticism online, largely due to its timing, coming just after India’s T20 World Cup victory.
"This is all true. But probably the worst time to say it is right after winning a T20 WC. Nobody is holding a gun to your head, asking you to convey bitter truths. It's like Sania Mirza celebrating her becoming world No. 1 in the rankings and you replying 'In doubles'," comedian Abhijeet Ganguly replied to Manjrekar's post.
Other fans expressed frustration with the timing and content of Manjrekar's comment.
Meanwhile, the Suryakumar Yadav-led team celebrated their second consecutive T20 title in the format, defeating New Zealand by a commanding margin of 96 runs in Ahmedabad. Jasprit Bumrah and Sanju Samson were standouts in the final.
MANJREKAR'S HISTORY OF CONTROVERSIAL COMMENTS
For example, in 2024, Manjrekar criticized Indian cricket team coach Gautam Gambhir’s comments during post-match press conferences, attracting attention online once more.
Manjrekar made the bold statement before the 2025-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and slammed Gambhir's press conferences and said that Gambhir did not have the demeanor to represent the Indian team during press conferences and that he should focus on his job.
"Just watched Gambhir in the press conference. It may be wise for @BCCI to keep him away from such duties, let him work behind the scenes. He does not have the right demeanor or the words when interacting with them. Rohit & Agarkar, much better guys to front up for the media," Manjrekar had written on his X account.