Sanjay Manjrekar has opened up on his absence from the IPL 2026 commentary panel, with the former India batter acknowledging that both his outspoken broadcasting style and the physical demands of the tournament contributed to his decision to step away. Speaking in conversation with Sportstar, Manjrekar reflected on the reaction his commentary often generated while also detailing how years of constant IPL travel had begun affecting his personal balance and health.
The former cricketer has long remained one of the most recognisable and debated voices in Indian cricket broadcasting, regularly attracting strong reactions for his direct opinions and on-air analysis.
Manjrekar reflects on commentary style
Speaking about his reduced involvement this season, Manjrekar said: “The other main reason is to give the viewers a little break as well from me.”
After the interviewer referred to the absence of provocative voices in modern commentary panels, he added: “Maybe that’s another reason why I’m not on the panel as well. Okay, I provoked people.”
Manjrekar’s commentary career has often generated divided reactions among viewers and players, particularly because of his direct assessments and willingness to express strong opinions on-air.
Travel demands influenced IPL step-back
Manjrekar also discussed the demands of covering the IPL across multiple venues during the tournament season. He continued: “Well, my life has changed a little bit by my own design. There was actually one year when I was doing studio in Mumbai and doing IPL games on the ground, and I was on one of those flights, and it’s like Zombieland.”
Reflecting on the travel involved during previous IPL seasons, Manjrekar explained: “You sort of go from one place to the other, and I was trying to kill time, and I was looking at my phone, you know, from my travel agent and he would send me those e-tickets. I said, ‘Let me just count.’ I had taken 46 flights that IPL. And then I said, ‘This is… I have to restore some balance. So I have cut down on my travel a lot and focusing on a few important things that will give me, you know, better sort of life health-wise.”
One of cricket broadcasting’s most debated voices
Manjrekar has remained a prominent figure in cricket broadcasting since retiring from professional cricket, building a reputation for analytical commentary and unfiltered opinions. His observations on players, tactics and team selections have regularly generated debate across television and digital audiences.
His absence from the IPL 2026 panel has therefore drawn attention among viewers accustomed to hearing his voice during the tournament, particularly given his long-standing association with Indian cricket broadcasting.
While Manjrekar did not directly criticise broadcasters or organisers during the interview, his comments suggested that both personal lifestyle choices and the reaction to his commentary style played a role in his reduced involvement this season.
