Former Indian cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has given a big opinion on international players and their appointment as IPL captains. He also pointed out that Indian players have often struggled as captain.
Many Indian captains have struggled to maintain the winning streak in the IPL, and he has not Promise amazing performance In Season. Rather, the choice of Akshar PatelRuturaj Gaikwad, Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant have struggled as captains in IPL 2026.
“Indian captain has struggled”: Sanjay Manjrekar’s explosive comments on IPL stars
while all Of The players mentioned above are Indians playerSanjay Manjrekar, Whereas Speaking on Sportstar Podcast, opined that captaincy should be be handed over based on ability no more Nationality, as many Indian players have struggled as captain, Whereas migrant player have done hopeful Well.
“I think we have seen many Indian captains struggling. You have mentioned players like Axar Patel and Rishabh Pant. There have been many Indian captains who have not performed well,” Manjrekar said.
He said, “My philosophy is simple: in T20 cricket, you need the best captain. If he is an overseas player, then so be it. David Warner has captained successfully; Pat Cummins has done the same.”
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IPL franchises hold commercial discussions to hand over captaincy role
while he shed light on T20 captain should be elected Based on their effectiveness, he Ahead Agreed for the fact that IPL franchises select their captains with weight given for commercial ideas When taking captaincy decisions.
“It can be said that there is a non-cricket reason why franchises often prefer Indian captains. An Indian captain becomes the face of the franchise and strengthens the brand,” he said.
However, Manjrekar said it is important to maintain a balance between building a strong brand and maximizing the potential of good leadership. choice of pat cummins Sunrisers has stood out as a promising brand.
He said, “Ultimately, the franchise has to decide what is better for the brand and what is better to win titles. Ideally, the captain should be someone who is a really good leader, regardless of nationality.”
Having Rishabh Pant or Virat Kohli as captain attracts more attention: Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar no has a habit of tinkling his words whenever ever he speaks But Issues related to cricket, be it criticism or citing the credibility of a cricketer. there is no cricket in india limited to a professional game but Is Too turned out to be a huge stage Of Inspiration and motivation.
These cricketers often have huge star power, which has also contributed to the fan base of these franchises. it Is noted it for players like Virat KohliMS Dhoni, and Rishabh Pant. Franchises have achieved branding largely because of their poster boys.
Sanjay Manjrekar said, “But we should not forget that IPL is also about brand value. An Indian captain naturally attracts more attention. Having a player like Rishabh Pant associating with a franchise or Virat Kohli leading RCB in the past, creates a different dynamic and gives a stronger identity to the team.”
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