Sanjay Manjrekar returnsto commentary panel

NEW DELHI: Sanjay Manjrekaris set to make his comeback in the commentary panel during the upcomingIndia-Australia series. The noted commentator has been away from the on-airduties since March. Just before the start of India-South Africa ODI series, theBCCI sacked Manjrekar and the news was confirmed when he didn't travel toDharamsala for the opening ODI.

Before the start of theIndian Premier League (IPL) 2020, Manjrekar even wrote to BCCI twice toreinstate him in the panel but the board decided against it. The BCCI cannothave much say in picking the panel for India-Australia series as CricketAustralia (CA) holds the hosting rights. Hence, CA will make choices when itcomes to picking the commentary panel and other decisions.

The BCCI has yet to revealthe official reason behind the sacking. During the 2019/20 season, Manjrekarwas in limelight for a few controversial statements he made. During the WorldCup, Manjrekar had called Ravindra Jadeja a bits-and-pieces player. In November2019, he questioned Harsha Bhogle's credentials on the air.

Apart from Manjrekar,Glenn McGrath, Nick Knight, Harsha Bhogle, Ajay Jadeja, Murali Kartik and AjitAgarkar will also be part of the panel.

India's tour of Australiawill kick off with three-match ODI series. The 50-over matches will be playedon November 27, 29 and December 2. Following the ODIs, the two teams willsquare off in three T20Is to be played on December 4, 6 and 8.

After a week, the twoteams square off for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, starting with a pink-ball Testin Adelaide from December 17. Melbourne (from December 26), Sydney (fromJanuary 7) and Brisbane (from January 15) will host the next three Testmatches.

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