She was there on screen the last time cricket was aired on the Sony Entertainment Network, which was the utterly boring 2007 ODI World Cup in the Caribbean. Not to mention that they dragged the tournament for 56 days, that’s like almost two months.

But what is most important that Mandira was in a spate of controversies during the World cup, especially with her photo-shoot for a magazine, where in she showcased her tattoo, ‘hurting’ religious sentiments and then, the infamous ‘flagged-saree’ incident, where she was forced to apologize on air and even changed her drape in between the broadcast.

Also, after her contract was over, Mandira joined hands with ESPN for their show Dream Job, and most probably that was the point that miffed Sony the most. How could she do that to them, as it was they who launched her in the world of sports broadcasting.

So where is she now? Well, she’s cropped her hair, and is now hosting two programs on television. One is to do with the winning singers of all the singing reality competitions, Indian Idol and the like, on Star Plus, named Jo Jeeta Wahi Superstar. The other is a kiddy’s show on Hungama TV, called Hungama TV Captain, where she plays the judge and the host in this reality show for the kids.

So why did Sony shun her given that their current presenters aren’t upto the mark? Maybe Sony wanted to steer clear of controversies this time. For Mandira was always in the news ever since she jumped onto the bandwagon, either for replacing the incompetent Ruby Bhatia or for the noodle straps.

But inspite of what anyone says she did have better cricketing knowledge and/or screen presence than her predecessors or even more than those who are presenting now. Miss you, Mandira.

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