Manjrekar, Karthik Trade Barbs Live On Air

Former India cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Murali Karthik found themselves at the centre of an awkward on-air moment during the ongoing India-Sri Lanka Test, as a light-hearted jibe quickly turned into a tense back-and-forth in the commentary box.

The Exchange That Sparked It

The friction began when Karthik poked fun at Manjrekar’s on-screen expressions, remarking that his exaggerated facial movements were making it difficult for viewers to focus on what he was actually saying, and requested he tone it down. Manjrekar did not take the comment lightly. Instead of responding directly, he asked the broadcast director to cut away from the shot and switch to fellow commentator Ajinkya Rahane, who was making his debut behind the mic following his retirement from professional cricket. Manjrekar went further, suggesting Rahane was a “more pleasant” presence on screen before mocking Karthik’s tone by mimicking someone admiring themselves in a mirror.

A Familiar Pattern For Manjrekar

This is not the first time Manjrekar has been embroiled in a public spat while on commentary duty. He has previously clashed with broadcaster Harsha Bhogle and drawn sharp criticism from India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja over remarks made during a live broadcast, incidents that at one point led to his temporary removal from commentary panels.

Meanwhile, on the field, India dominated proceedings on day three, bowling out Sri Lanka for 284 to secure a substantial 178-run lead. Rain interruptions have disrupted play at intervals, but India is expected to push the scoring rate, aiming to add more than 200 runs before considering a declaration.