India skipper Virat Kohli had a bad day in office on Thursday when he led Royal Challengers Bangalore against Kings XI Punjab on Thursday. He dropped two catches of rival skipper KL Rahul and managed only a run off five balls in RCB's chase.
While Kohli was still at the crease, legendary Indian batsman and currently a commentator, Sunil Gavaskar said that the India captain is keen to improve and he knows that he can do so only by practising more and more. He went on to add that during the coronavirus lockdown, Kohli had faced only his wife Anushka Sharma's bowling and it is showing that it did not help much. He was speaking in Hindi when he made the comment.
Reacting to it, Anushka also issued a statement on her Instagram page and said that Gavaskar's message was "distasteful".
"That, Mr Gavaskar, your message is distasteful is a fact but I would love for you to explain why you thought of making such a sweeping statement on a wife accusing her for her husband's game?
"I'm sure over the years you have respected the private lives of every cricketer while commenting on the game. Don't you think you should have an equal amount of respect for me and us?" Sharma said.
Gavaskar though said his comments were not understood in the right context.
The remark according to Gavaskar was in reference to a video clip where Kohli and Anushka were seen enjoying some tennis ball cricket in their compound.
"Firstly, I would like to say, where am I blaming her, I'm not blaming her. I am only saying that the video showed she was bowling to Virat. Virat has only played that much bowling in this lockdown period," Gavaskar told India Today channel.
However, the comment did not go down well with Kohli and Anushka's fans and some even demanded his sacking from Star Sports commentary panel, lashing out at him on social media.
" #Anushka remained quiet when I was threatened and called Haramkhor but today the same misogyny coming to bite her, I condemn the fact that she was dragged in to cricket by #SunilGavaskar but selective feminism is equally uncool," tweeted Kangana Ranaut.
#Anushka remained quiet when I was threatened and called Haramkhor but today the same misogyny coming to bite her, I condemn the fact that she was dragged in to cricket by #SunilGavaskar but selective feminism is equally uncool.
— Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) September 25, 2020
Anushka Arora said that such comments really need to stop, it's really backwards and very, very unnecessary.
Well said @AnushkaSharma 👏🏼👏🏼 Comments like what #SunilGavaskar said really need to stop, it's really backwards and very, very unnecessary. pic.twitter.com/s0dO45ahGo
— Anushka Arora (@Anushka_Arora) September 25, 2020
Chaiti Narula tweeted that it is hard to believe that Sunil Gavaskar made such statements.
How can #SunilGavaskar make such an obscene comment about @AnushkaSharma ? I’m in disbelief. And speechless.
— Chaiti Narula (@Chaiti) September 25, 2020
On the other hand, some people condemned the criticism that a legend like Sunil Gavaskar has faced on this issue
Former India cricketer Kirti Azad said, "Don't make it feminist or personal issue. "
Trolling the legend #SunilGavaskar is not in good taste @AnushkaSharma
— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) September 25, 2020
You're taking this too far. @imVkohli is adored by all. Relax and enjoy.
Sunny bhai has never hit anyone below the belt. Don't make it feminist or personal issue. It has been my honour to have played with him https://t.co/CyOlwd5ajJ
Sunil gavaskar clarification on his yesterday commentary and i think gavaskar sir is right. Watch this video.
— Shubham Thakran (@Shubham_thakran) September 25, 2020
Courtesy: star sport #SunilGavaskar #AnushkaSharma @vikrantgupta73 #DCvsCSK #IPL pic.twitter.com/KVfSiJCq1Z
Sunny Gavaskar says Virat And Anushka must watch that commentary clip and where was her attacking her. Also says he is one of those cricketers who was insistent that BCCI allows cricketer wives are allowed on tours.pic.twitter.com/mlDzrmOhTp
— Maya (@Sharanyashettyy) September 25, 2020
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