New Delhi: Iconic cricketer-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar is in the eye of the storm for a remark he made during the Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Indian Premier League match against the Kings XI Punjab in Dubai Thursday.
When RCB captain Virat Kohli was dismissed cheaply for the second match in a row in a huge chase, Gavaskar referred to his wife, actor Anushka Sharma, and said: “Jab lockdown tha toh sirf Anushka ki bowling par practice ki unhone, wo video dekhi hai, usse to kuch nahi hona hai [During the recent lockdown he only practiced to Anushka’s bowling. I saw a video. But that is not going to be enough].”
The former India captain’s comments immediately started drawing flak from fans and journalists on social media, and Friday, Anushka Sharma put up a statement on Instagram, questioning Gavaskar’s comments.
“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 am sure over the years you have respected the private lives of every cricketer while commentating on the game,” she said. “It’s 2020 and things still don’t change for me. When will I stop getting dragged into cricket and stop being used to pass sweeping statements?”
In the past too, fans have directed their ire towards Sharma when Kohli has underperformed on the field, most notably in the World Cup semi-finals in 2015.
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Social media split
The video Gavaskar was referring to appeared on social media in May. In the video, Kohli and Sharma were spotted playing cricket on the terrace of their home Mumbai’s Worli during the lockdown.
Finally after soo much long time saw Virat Batting 🥳
Virat Anushka playing cricket in building today🥳
Anushka bowls a Bouncer to Virat😂#ViratKohli #AnushkaSharma #Cricket pic.twitter.com/XFmfs3hiBt— Virarsh (@Cheeku218) May 15, 2020
Politician Salman Nizami and Times Now Group Editor were among the people who hit out at Gavaskar for the comment. Soon, a hashtag #BoycottGavaskar started trending on Twitter.
Wrong to drag @AnushkaSharma in everything @imVkohli does. She was there in his bad or good performances. Why involve family in sports? Unacceptable & Disrespectful remarks by #SunilGavaskar.
— Salman Nizami (@SalmanNizami_) September 25, 2020
For Tweeple to troll @AnushkaSharma for @imVkohli performance is disgusting. And the less said about Sunil Gavaskar the better. In fact BCCI should remove him from the commentators’ panel for the MCP attitude. #BoycottGavaskar
— Navika Kumar (@navikakumar) September 25, 2020
However, others leapt to the cricket legend’s defence, saying he had said nothing wrong, and that his comment simply meant Kohli was rusty after the lockdown-induced layoff and needed more practice.
No. I disagree. Neither his tone nor the words suggest anything remotely derogatory or sexist. The outrage is completely uncalled for. He could have avoided mentioning a player’s wife’s name altogether but what he said does not imply any disrespect.
— Sudhanshu Mishra (@Sudhanshu1) September 25, 2020
Gavaskar’s former teammate and politician Kirti Azad also defended him.
Trolling the legend #SunilGavaskar is not in good taste @AnushkaSharma
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— Kirti Azad (@KirtiAzaad) September 25, 2020
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The actress is a stupid woman and can neither understand cricket or jokes. Absolutely stupid actress
Clearly the media, and most of all the people, have nothing better to do. That includes me, because I’m commenting on this BS..