Former Indian stumper Dinesh Karthik debuted as a commentator in the recently concluded WTC (World Test Championship) final. However, during the second ODI between England and Sri Lanka at the Oval in London, he came up with a questionable analogy at the panel where he compared cricket bats with wives.
As per a report in News18, the 36-year-old was trying to explain how many batsmen don’t like their own bats, and find others’ equipment more reliable. But he dug a hole for himself when he stated this through a misogynistic analogy saying, “Batsmen and not liking bats, they go hand in hand. Most of the batters don’t seem to like their bats. They either like another person’s bat, or… Bats are like a neighbor’s wife. They always feel better.”
Check it out:
Full clip pic.twitter.com/FuV6qd3k99
— Rachel Romain (@RERomain) July 1, 2021
Needless to say, fans were left irked at his sexist comment:
1. Wonder how his wife feels about the comment.
It’s an awkward time to be @DineshKarthik’s neighbor.
— Satya Kandala (@satyakandala) July 2, 2021
2. People said it was in poor taste, and one user remarked that it felt like a cringe WhatApp joke.
Dinesh Karthik? What the hell was that?😮
— Kanav Bali🏏 (@Concussion__Sub) July 1, 2021
Dinesh Karthik's coming of age summer of commentary to have a premature ending? Too much of Whatsapp jokes leads one to danger.
— Narayanan S (@narayanantweaks) July 2, 2021
@DineshKarthik Love your commentary and insights, but "batsmen prefer others' bats, its like neighbours' wives, they always feel better" was not cool at all.
— Avi Seth (@UnSethled) July 1, 2021
Hello @DineshKarthik that neighbour's wife comparison yesterday on mic was absolute cringe. Expected better of you King.
— Sunny (@ewyikesed) July 2, 2021
why is everyone hailing Dinesh Karthik as a great commentator for his sexist and cringe comment comparing a married woman to a bat wtf is wrong with people????
— arundhati (@uwuzuumaki) July 2, 2021
3. Another disappointed fan pointed out how such comments should not have a place in sports as they promote toxic masculinity.
Yo @DineshKarthik, we're always excited to hear your voice in the background of good games and your analysis has been on point but you gotta do better than that misogynistic joke. Perpetuates the same toxic masculinity that doesn't need to exist in sport. A joke in poor taste!
— Tina Tengra 🙅🏻♀️ (@tinatengra07) July 2, 2021
4. Do you think he should apologize for the same?
@DineshKarthik that was disgusting. Will you apologise? #ENGvSL
— Rachel Romain (@RERomain) July 1, 2021
5. Some users think that it’s a dig at his own past.
It’s not misogyny.. It comes from the guy’ s personal experience.. he was betrayed by his wife Nikita(now ex) and best friend(Murali Vijay).(who coveted his friend’s wife) That’s his reality. He has lived thru the trauma and humiliation..
— S.Varalakshmi (@SVaralakshmi18) July 2, 2021
Even if there’s a slight possibility that he’s taking a dig at his own past & making the larger point about how batters always love to try out other players’ bats, That statement is just ew 🤢. Could have been avoided for sure. Expected better from @DineshKarthik #ENGvSL
— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) July 1, 2021
6. English cricketer-turned-broadcaster Isabelle Westbury also weighed in, referencing his current wife.
Dipika Pallikal's husband is lucky to have her and that's all that needs saying. 💪🏼
— Isabelle Westbury (@izzywestbury) July 2, 2021
What do you think of Dinesh Karthik’s comment? Share your opinion in the comments section.
Cover Image Source- left