On-air sparring between Sanjay Manjrekar and Murali Kartik sparks controversy during Galle Test

In the broadcast of the Galle Test, former India players Sanjay Manjrekar and Murali Kartik moved from match analysis to teasing each other's looks. Kartik started by ridiculing Manjrekar’s expression, calling it the “pout of the century” and claiming it hindered his speech. Manjrekar replied that Rahane had a more pleasant face and suggested the camera focus elsewhere.

The two continued exchanging barbs, with Kartik accusing Manjrekar of being self-obsessed and Manjrekar hinting that Kartik might need a mirror. As the remarks grew more personal, Manjrekar acknowledged they were approaching a limit and warned that social media would seize on the incident. The unusual on-air exchange quickly attracted viewer attention for straying far from cricket commentary.