Manjrekar Dismisses ODI Series Loss; Ashwin, Ponting Voice Concerns Over Format's Future
In the wake of India's historic first-ever ODI series defeat to New Zealand on home soil, a significant debate has ignited about the value and future of the 50-over format itself. While the result marked the end of India's seven-year unbeaten run in home bilateral ODI series, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has controversially downplayed its significance, calling it "no big deal." His comments have fueled a larger conversation involving legends like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ricky Ponting, who express deeper concerns about ODI cricket's trajectory in a T20-dominated era.
Speaking on his Instagram handle, Manjrekar framed his assessment around the primacy of the World Cup. "Honestly, in 50-over cricket today, what really matters is the World Cup, not even the Champions Trophy," he stated. He argued that while fans struggle to recall recent Champions Trophy winners, every World Cup champion is etched in memory, thus diminishing the weight of bilateral series. This perspective aligns with his earlier contentious remark where he labeled ODIs as the "easiest format" for a top-order batter, expressing disappointment that Virat Kohli chose to continue in this format after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
In stark contrast, India's spin maestro and cricket thinker Ravichandran Ashwin voiced palpable worry about the format's health. "I am not sure about future of ODI after 2027 World Cup. I am a little worried about it," Ashwin confessed on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat.' He pointed to a tangible decline in viewer engagement, contrasting the fervent followership of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (SMAT) with the relatively tepid interest in the domestic 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ashwin's concern extends beyond just results; it touches on the format's ability to captivate the next generation of fans and players in an increasingly fast-paced sporting landscape.
Echoing these structural concerns, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting provided a technical analysis of how the format's evolution is altering the very fabric of batting. Speaking at an Idea Exchange last year, Ponting observed, "The rhythm and tempo of one-day batting is not like it used to be because of how much T20 cricket is being played." He noted that modern ODI teams often approach the game as "a longer T20," leading to a decline in the nuanced, situational skills that defined classic 50-over batsmanship, particularly against spin bowling. For Ponting, the issue isn't just relevance but a dilution of the specialized artistry that made the format unique.
This triad of opinions from Manjrekar, Ashwin, and Ponting encapsulates the central crisis facing ODI cricket. On one hand, figures like Manjrekar represent a utilitarian view where bilateral ODIs are merely preparation for the World Cup, their results ultimately forgettable. On the other, seasoned observers like Ashwin and Ponting warn of an existential threat—a format losing its distinct identity, its fan engagement, and the technical depth that once made it the sport's pinnacle. As icons like Kohli and Rohit Sharma near the end of their careers, Ashwin's worry about a looming void becomes more acute. The New Zealand series defeat, therefore, is more than a statistical blip; it serves as a catalyst for a necessary, urgent discussion on how to preserve the soul and substance of 50-over cricket before it is irrevocably changed by the relentless shadow of its shorter, more explosive cousin.
Speaking on his Instagram handle, Manjrekar framed his assessment around the primacy of the World Cup. "Honestly, in 50-over cricket today, what really matters is the World Cup, not even the Champions Trophy," he stated. He argued that while fans struggle to recall recent Champions Trophy winners, every World Cup champion is etched in memory, thus diminishing the weight of bilateral series. This perspective aligns with his earlier contentious remark where he labeled ODIs as the "easiest format" for a top-order batter, expressing disappointment that Virat Kohli chose to continue in this format after retiring from Tests and T20Is.
In stark contrast, India's spin maestro and cricket thinker Ravichandran Ashwin voiced palpable worry about the format's health. "I am not sure about future of ODI after 2027 World Cup. I am a little worried about it," Ashwin confessed on his YouTube channel 'Ash Ki Baat.' He pointed to a tangible decline in viewer engagement, contrasting the fervent followership of the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy (SMAT) with the relatively tepid interest in the domestic 50-over Vijay Hazare Trophy. Ashwin's concern extends beyond just results; it touches on the format's ability to captivate the next generation of fans and players in an increasingly fast-paced sporting landscape.
Echoing these structural concerns, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting provided a technical analysis of how the format's evolution is altering the very fabric of batting. Speaking at an Idea Exchange last year, Ponting observed, "The rhythm and tempo of one-day batting is not like it used to be because of how much T20 cricket is being played." He noted that modern ODI teams often approach the game as "a longer T20," leading to a decline in the nuanced, situational skills that defined classic 50-over batsmanship, particularly against spin bowling. For Ponting, the issue isn't just relevance but a dilution of the specialized artistry that made the format unique.
This triad of opinions from Manjrekar, Ashwin, and Ponting encapsulates the central crisis facing ODI cricket. On one hand, figures like Manjrekar represent a utilitarian view where bilateral ODIs are merely preparation for the World Cup, their results ultimately forgettable. On the other, seasoned observers like Ashwin and Ponting warn of an existential threat—a format losing its distinct identity, its fan engagement, and the technical depth that once made it the sport's pinnacle. As icons like Kohli and Rohit Sharma near the end of their careers, Ashwin's worry about a looming void becomes more acute. The New Zealand series defeat, therefore, is more than a statistical blip; it serves as a catalyst for a necessary, urgent discussion on how to preserve the soul and substance of 50-over cricket before it is irrevocably changed by the relentless shadow of its shorter, more explosive cousin.
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A large part of Abhishek Sharma's T20 batting lies in the anticipation of what he will do when he faces the first ball. Was inspired to. Or. Finds immediate solutions to any shortcomings.
Was quick. The owl also moved his fingers at the ball to slow it down and Abhishek tucked it down the leg side and stole a run. 14 wickets were lost due to fast bowling (below 128 kmph), the most by any team.
Male Brian Bennett stepped out of his crease for the first time and hit a six over the fielder at long-on.
Echoed – a dramatic, pun-filled rendition of their three-syllable first name.
This is what Sitanshu Kotak said about Abhishek before the game.
Was quick. The owl also moved his fingers at the ball to slow it down and Abhishek tucked it down the leg side and stole a run. 14 wickets were lost due to fast bowling (below 128 kmph), the most by any team.
Male Brian Bennett stepped out of his crease for the first time and hit a six over the fielder at long-on.
Echoed – a dramatic, pun-filled rendition of their three-syllable first name.
This is what Sitanshu Kotak said about Abhishek before the game.
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"It's not annihilation, we're not dead if we don't win, but we certainly don't want to be in a situation where we leave it to external factors and get it out of our hands."
When Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie joined hands at 84/6 and took @L0$.
Explains that through Super 8, you cannot always win. Prepare for a potential “slugfest” for those who have already qualified but the adjustment they need will be swift. -What a good choice you have made to join a favorable place.
There are many options on the C surface."
Is. Adil Rashid
I think you feel a little more pressure, but he is hitting equally well in the nets. Be it or in the 15th over.
When Mitchell Santner and Cole McConchie joined hands at 84/6 and took @L0$.
Explains that through Super 8, you cannot always win. Prepare for a potential “slugfest” for those who have already qualified but the adjustment they need will be swift. -What a good choice you have made to join a favorable place.
There are many options on the C surface."
Is. Adil Rashid
I think you feel a little more pressure, but he is hitting equally well in the nets. Be it or in the 15th over.
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R. The markets are crowded and colourless. It is contained in less land than a pond. Nick's form is left to guesswork. Ouch."
Came in Daasa.
Has gone. A. Just like the neighborhood around the stadium. Let's stand again. It bends but doesn't flatten, which asks players to think as much as they swing. It doesn't end until it ends.
Came in Daasa.
Has gone. A. Just like the neighborhood around the stadium. Let's stand again. It bends but doesn't flatten, which asks players to think as much as they swing. It doesn't end until it ends.
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This is a heart-touching video from last year of Indian cricketer Rinku Singh visiting his 500 square yard two-storey villa with a pool, a lift, walk-in wardrobe and a swing in the front lawn. But. He kept seeing his father on the ventilator. was in a hurry. As he plays his virtual quarter-final against J, there will be one person whose blessings he yearns for.
Told about desire. Cards remember the "hand-to-mouth" days.
and will yield fruits that they have never tasted.
Lived. Was scolded a lot for playing cricket.
Told about desire. Cards remember the "hand-to-mouth" days.
and will yield fruits that they have never tasted.
Lived. Was scolded a lot for playing cricket.
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Auqib Nabi had some unfinished work in Hubli. Ri took 6/4, but was bowled out of the game after taking a huge lead of 291 runs in the first innings by bowling out Karnataka for 293.
Reached 222 runs on the bat, but continued to attack. Scored a century in the final match.
The major difference is in the slow-paced competition. Have made it a forest. Started from. But Agarwal had moved quickly from the crease and made a comeback. Trophy in one season of 92 years of cricket.
Had his best first-class performance.
The anger and anger of the powerful Vijaykumar Vaishya will increase three days in advance.
Reached 222 runs on the bat, but continued to attack. Scored a century in the final match.
The major difference is in the slow-paced competition. Have made it a forest. Started from. But Agarwal had moved quickly from the crease and made a comeback. Trophy in one season of 92 years of cricket.
Had his best first-class performance.
The anger and anger of the powerful Vijaykumar Vaishya will increase three days in advance.
