Manini De might be the next Mandira Bedi

After playing the ditsy Pari in Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahin, Manini will be hosting a daily cricket commentary show called Not Just Cricket for the Eurasia cricket series along with VJ-turned-actor Gaurav Kapoor. The show will be aired on Sahara One from today.

Manini is the third actress from the television world to host a cricket-based show, her predecessors being Ruby Bhatia and Mandira Bedi.

While Manini is excited about the show, she is apprehensive about the reaction it will generate. "I'm looking forward to it, as it is my first time," she says. About the show she says: "The channel has asked me to be myself in the show. I know that I've played a certain character that has become my identity but this is a serious job. I'm going to try my best to give it my best shot."

She is also looking forward to working with her co-host, Kapoor. "I'm sure having Gaurav around is going to be great fun. Apart from the serious discussions we'll be also adding the light moments to the show," says Manini. In the past Mandira Bedi had been very successful while doing a similar show – Extraa Innings. Mandira's popularity had scaled such heights that her clothes and hairdos had become a style statement. What is Manini look going to be like? "My look will be Indo western and very stylish. I've my own style and charisma. I've given my designer categorical instructions on presenting me in an intelligent way. I'm not going to just add the glamour element to the show," says Manini.

What about being intimidated by the comparisons that will be drawn with Mandira? "I've not taken over Mandira's job. What she did in Extraa Innings was outstanding and commendable," she says. "It takes courage to sit amongst experts and talk about the game. She did a fabulous job during World Cup. As for me, I'm only trying to deliver the goods to the best of my ability. Honestly, I'm nervous. On second thoughts, I feel I must call Mandira and take some tips from her. She is a gutsy woman."

Is Manini well-versed with the game? "I am not going to pretend to be an expert. My knowledge of cricket is very basic. I have never been an avid watcher of the sport but whenever India plays Pakistan I make it a point to catch the game," she says. "Currently, I'm reading books on cricket and talking to experts to brush up on my cricket knowledge.