The Indian Premier League (IPL) underway in the UAE sparked controversy after outrage on social media that former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar made a ‘nasty’ comment about the Royal Challengers Banglore (RCB) captain, Virat Kohli, and his wife Anushka Sharma during the live commentary. Major Indian media outlets joined the bandwagon of publishing reports citing the alleged comment made during a match between RCB and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
News18 attributed the following quote to Gavaskar: “Inhone lockdown me toh bas Anushka ki gendon ki practice ki hai”, suggesting that it had a double meaning. While the article remains at the time of writing, News18 removed its cheep.
Bollywood Hungama, Asianet News, Mumbai mirror and DNA India were among other major English media organizations that attributed the same quote to Gavaskar. Its disgusting English translation reads: “Virat Kohli has only trained against Anushka’s balls during the confinement.”
Hindi media Jansatta, Zee News and Live Hindustan also did not miss an opportunity to criticize Gavaskar.
Navika Kumar, Times Now host demanded that Gavaskar should be removed from the commentator panel. Journalist Chaitali narula He also criticized him for his “obscene” comment.
So tweeple troll @Anushka Sharma for @imVkohli performance is disgusting. And the less people talk about Sunil Gavaskar, the better. In fact, the BCCI should remove him from the panel of commentators because of the attitude of MCP. #BoycottGavaskar
– Navika Kumar (@navikakumar) September 25, 2020
Soon, #BoycottGavaskar became a Twitter trend.
Some other outlets called her comments “unpleasant”, “unpleasant” and “sexist” without including the alleged quote in the reports. The News Minute quoted Gavaskar as saying: “During the confinement, [Kohli] he just bowled with Anushka, “and suggested the comment was made after” Kolhi was fired by 1 in pursuit of RCB. ” The report was later updated.
Similarly, The Indian Express republished a copy of PTI that said Gavaskar’s comments were “disgusting” and “in bad taste.” This article was also updated later.
Actor Anushka Sharma released a statement criticizing Gavaskar for “accusing a wife” of her husband’s gambling. “Mr. Gavaskar, your message is unpleasant, it is a fact, but I would love for you to explain to me why you thought of making such a radical statement about a wife accusing her of her husband’s gambling.
#Anushka Sharma send a message to the veteran cricketer #SolGavaskar after your comment on #Virat Kohlithe performance during the #IPL game last night. pic.twitter.com/NityLDuNRl
– Filmfare (@filmfare) September 25, 2020
Journalist Barkha Dutt praised the actor and tweeted, “Good for you Anuskha for yelling shit, be it from Sunil Gavaskar or anyone else. Hurrah.”
A comment misinformed by the media, disproportionate by social networks
Alt News viewed live footage from the match and found that Gavaskar had been misquoted. Virat Kohli, known for his prowess at hitting and fielding, had dropped two receptions for KXIP’s KL Rahul in the first inning. While Rahul had scored an impressive 132 no-out in the game, Kohli went 1-out as he tried to hook KXIP bowler Sheldon Cottrell.
Gavaskar’s comment came as Kohli was about to face the third installment of Cottrell’s third bowling. As Kohli walked to bat after Josh Philippe’s early firing, Gavaskar mentioned his catches and said: “[Josh Philippe’s early dismissal] has given Virat Kohli the opportunity to play more overs [Kohli walked out in the 12th over in RCB’s first match]. He dropped two sacks on the field. Then you know you have to do something [special]. “
After Kohli played the first ball, commentator Akash Chopra (along with Sunil Gavaskar) discussed how the players had lost practice.
Chopra: As all the players have stepped on the field after a long time, [you can] feel that the swords have rusted, they are not so ready. If you watch the IPL race [of Virat Kohli] – Has 5427 incomparable careers. But Sunny Bhai, who has not played cricket for 6-8 months, is not easy.
Gavaskar: Absolutely. He [Kohli] I did not have the opportunity to do the necessary practice. You know that the more you practice, the better you will get. When the confinement happened, he only practiced against Anuskha’s bowling alley, we have seen the video, but nothing is going to come out of that.
Chopra: He practiced in his apartment. There is no privacy at all. (The people in the) nearby building also recorded a video.
While it can be argued that Sharma’s name should not have found a place in the comment, Gavaskar did not make an indecent comment or blame the actor for her husband’s performance.
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said: “First of all, I would like to repeat it. Where do I blame her? I don’t blame her. I’m just saying the video said he was bowling with Virat. Virat has only played that bowling alley during the lockout period. It is a tennis ball, a fun game in which people have to pass the time during the confinement. That’s it. Where do I blame her for Virat’s failures?
A comment made by commentator Sunil Gavaskar during RCB vs KXIP on September 24 was disproportionate on both social and mainstream media, with lead actor Anushka Sharma saying Gavaskar made “overwhelming” and “unpleasant” comments about his private life. .
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