Muttiah Muralitharan takes Pollard’s side, says Sanjay Manjrekar's comments were ‘harsh’

Following commentator Sanjay Manjrekar’s criticism of Kieron Pollard, in which the renowned commentator highlighted the Mumbai Indians batsman’s batting limitations; the tall and powerful West Indian has found a supporter in the form of Muttiah Muralitharan – the bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad.

“Pollard does not have the brains to play early in the innings,” Manjrekar had opined while commentating on the all-rounder’s innings against KKR which saw only a solitary four and six coming from an otherwise pinch-hitter.

The Sri Lankan spin wizard, while speaking to India Today, took Pollard’s side and slammed Manjrekar’s comments. Muralitharan felt that Manjrekar’s criticism of Pollard was offensive on air.

“I think it is about both parties; not just Pollard or even Sanjay Manjrekar. He should also not have commented in public that he is not suited to bat in the top order. It is criticism. It should not be done openly.”

He further questioned Manjrekar’s statement, highlighting that Pollard has made nearly 7000 runs in T20s, which is a testament to the fact that he is certainly about to fit in the top.

“He has got (nearly) 7000 runs in the T20 format of the game. So how can someone who has got all these runs not fit in the top order? These are harsh words and his opinion. And the player can respond in his way,” he told India Today.

Soon after the comments were made by the commentator, Pollard took to Twitter to hit back at the Former India international. “@sanjaymanjrekar u feel any positive can come out of your mouth bcuz u get pay to talk u can continue with your verbal diarrhea…”

He further said, “Do you know how I get big so..about BRAINLESS..words are very powerful…once it leaves u can’t take it back.. sins of parents fall on…”

Both the parties have got their share of supporters. While Manjrekar is being criticized for something he should not have said on the mic, Pollard too is being put under the scanner for a rather disrespectful language he used on Twitter.