Anushka to Gavaskar: 'When will I stop getting dragged into cricket?'

Bollywood actor Anushka Sharma has criticized former India captain Sunil Gavaskar for his “distasteful” comments on her husband and RCB skipper Virat Kohli, who had a bad day against Kings XI Punjab in their IPL 2020 league match on Thursday.

Anushka took to Instagram to express her anguish at being drawn into anything that happens with Virat on the field.

Related news: Virat Kohli eclipses Dhoni, becomes most successful Indian Test captain

Videos of Sunil Gavaskar’s remarks during the match have been trending on social media. “Ab jo lockdown tha toh, sirf Anushka ke bowling ki practice ki unhone, voh video dekhiye. Usse toh kuch nahi banna hai (He only practiced against Anushka’s bowling during the lockdown. See the video. That won’t help),” Gavaskar is heard saying during commentary.

Kohli put down two crucial catches off rival skipper KL Rahul, who went on to score an unbeaten century, and then was himself dismissed for just one run. Kings XI Punjab went on to defeat RCB by a massive 97 runs.

Anushka posted on Instagram story: “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 of her husband’s game? I’m sure over the years you have respected the private lives of every cricketer while commentating on the game. Don’t you think you should have equal amount of respect for me and us? I’m sure you can have many other words and sentences in your mind to use to comment on my husband’s performance from last night or are your words only relevant if you use my name in the process? Its 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? Respected Mr Gavaskar, you are a legend whose name stands tall in this gentleman’s game. Just wanted to tell you what I felt when I heard you say this.”

It is not the first time Anushka’s name has been dragged into a controversy concerning Virat Kohli.  Then too she had objected to being pulled into cricketing affairs which had nothing to do with her. Several of their social media posts together have made headlines in the past for all the wrong reasons. Recently, they shared the news of expecting their first child.

Netizens give mixed reaction

Social media users had two different and opposite takes on the controversy, guided by the way they interpreted Gavaskar’s comments. Both Anushka and Gavaskar were trolled all through the day. A section of netizens sided with Anushka and even sympathized with her while the other, probably Gavaskar fans, tried to justify the little master’s comments sharing a video, apparently shot by a curious neighbour during lockdown of Virat having a game of cricket with his wife.

Supporting Gavaskar, a Twitter user said: “This is  what #SunilGavaskar sir trying to tell in commentary box yesterday. People didn’t have a single clue abt matter and started critisizing others.”

https://twitter.com/AmNG1994/status/1309393216974643201

Another user tweeted in favour of Anushka: “Why are people trolling Anushka? She’s pregnant guys! She has nothing to do with all this! It’s just a game..you cannot win everyday! Trolling, abusing and circulating memes about her at this time simply for your entertainment is truly disgusting!!”

https://twitter.com/vrushhalibharat/status/1309353518931697664