On Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, a fiery on-air argument erupted between former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan. The debate started when they discussed a controversial run-out involving Yashasvi Jaiswal, which occurred during the final ball of the 41st over.

Pathan’s Point of View:

 Jaiswal attempted a quick single after hitting the ball towards mid-on, but Virat Kohli, at the non-striker’s end, hesitated and opted not to run. As a result, Jaiswal was stranded and run out for 82. Pathan defended Kohli, suggesting that the speed of the ball could have caused Kohli to hesitate. “Kohli wasn’t confident about the run because of how fast the ball was moving,” Pathan explained. He argued that as the non-striker, Kohli had every right to refuse the run if he thought it was too risky.

Manjrekar’s Point of View:

Manjrekar, however, immediately blamed Kohli for the poor decision, calling it a “schoolboy error.” He argued that since Jaiswal was running to the danger end, the call to run should have been Jaiswal’s, and Kohli should have trusted him. “The ball was moving slowly, so Kohli would not have been run out. It was Jaiswal’s decision to make, even if it was risky,” Manjrekar said. He emphasized that Kohli made a mistake by not supporting his partner.

Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan heated argument over Jaiswal runout#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND #Melbourne #YashasviJaiswal #ViratKohli #SanjayManjrekar #IrfanPathan #Australia pic.twitter.com/E8xI1mxnTw

— Kishor Joshi (@KishorJoshi02) December 27, 2024

The argument intensified with both commentators interrupting each other. Manjrekar, clearly losing his cool, snapped at Pathan, saying, “If you don’t want to let me speak, that’s fine.” His frustration was clear, and he sarcastically remarked that Pathan’s perspective should be included in coaching manuals. Manjrekar’s irritation was evident as he appeared upset, while Pathan, though calm at first, also started losing his composure.