Irfan Pathan reacts after Sunil Gavaskar faced criticism for comments on Anushka Sharma

Irfan Pathan reacts after Sunil Gavaskar faced criticism for comments on Anushka Sharma
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(Left to Right) Virat Kohli, Anushka Sharma, Irfan Pathan and Sunil Gavaskar

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has come forward in support of legendary batsman-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar, who recently faced criticism from Anushka Sharma and fans for his comments during the match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) on Thursday.

Scores of fans called Gavaskar’s comments sexist and also slammed him for bringing up personal matters on national television. The situation got out of control when Anushka Sharma herself took to social media to express her dissappointment.

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The veteran cricketer had commented, “Ab jo lockdown tha toh unhone sirf Anushka ke saath bowling ki practice ki hai, usse toh kuch bhi nahi banana (During the lockdown, he has only practised against Anushka’s bowling. Nothing was to come out of it.”

Later on Friday, Sunil Gavaskar clarified his statement and stated that his comments on Anushka and Virat Kohli were taken out of context. The legendary batsman has now received support from his fellow commentator Irfan Pathan too.

Irfan took to Twitter to support Gavaskar and wrote, “Always respect #SunilGavaskar sir always”

Sunil Gavaskar’s clarification

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Sunil Gavaskar

During the match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) on Friday, Gavaskar clarified that his comments were taken out of context and that he was referring to the couple practising cricket in their building during the lockdown period.

“As you hear from the commentary, Aakash (Chopra) and I were doing commentary for the Hindi channel. And Aakash was talking about the fact that there has been very little chance for proper practice for everybody. That has actually shown in the rustiness of some of the players in their first matches,” Gavaskar told India Today.

“Rohit didn’t strike the ball well in his first match, MSD didn’t strike the ball well, Virat also didn’t strike the ball. Most of the batsmen have because of the lack of practice.

“That was the point that was being made. Virat also had no practice and the only practice that they had when they have seen them playing in their building compound and Anushka was bowling to him. That’s what I said. That’s the only bowling, I have not used any other word.

“She was bowling to him, that’s all. Where am I blaming her? Where am I being sexist in this? I am just stating what was seen in the video which was maybe recorded by somebody in the neighbouring buildings and then put up. That’s the only thing I am doing.

“The point I am trying to make is that there was no practice for anybody, including Virat in the lockdown. I am not being sexist. If somebody, has interpreted it, what can I do?.

“I would like to say it again. Where am I blaming her? I am not blaming her. I am only saying that the video said that she was bowling to Virat.

“Virat has played only that bowling during the lockdown period. It’s a tennis ball, a fun game that people have to pass time during the lockdown. That’s all. Where am I blaming her for Virat’s failures?” he added.

Also read: IPL 2020 CSK vs DC WATCH: Sunil Gavaskar gives an on-air clarification on Anushka Sharma’s criticism