Recently, Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sunil Gavaskar faced online backlash post his comments on Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma in the latest RCB versus Kings XI Punjab IPL 2020 match. In response, Anushka Sharma penned a note on her Instagram stories slamming Gavaskar, while some fans proceeded to point out that his remark was misheard.
Here is the video we all have been talking about. #Gavaskar #AnushkaSharma #ViratKohli @imVkohli @AnushkaSharma #ipl #rcb #SunilGavaskar pic.twitter.com/aCRtB6Pr2x
— Vishal Ghandat (@vishalghandat1) September 25, 2020
In the video, talking about Virat’s performance, Gavaskar can be heard saying, “Ab joh lockdown tha to sirf Anushka ki bowling ki practice ki unhone, wo video dekhi hai (a reference to their viral video), usse to kuch nahi hona hai.” which translates to, ‘During the recent lockdown he only practiced to Anushka’s bowling, I saw a video. But that is not going to be enough.’ Find the video below:-
In an interview with India Today, Sunil Gavaskar finally came forward to issue a long clarification on the entire issue. He began by saying, “Firstly, 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, fun game that people have to pass time during the lockdown. That’s all. Where am I blaming her for Virat’s failures?”
Talking about his earlier endeavors of supporting wives going on tours with the cricketers, he further added, “You know me, I am the one who has always batted for wives going with husbands on tour. I am the one that a normal guy going to the office for a 9-5 job, when he comes back home, he comes back to his wife. Similarly, cricketers, when they go out for a tour or even when they are playing at home, why can’t they have their wives with them?”
“Because after their working hours are over, they have to get back to their wives like every other common man does. So I am not blaming her.”
Speaking about the commentary that went down, he explains, “As you can hear from the commentary, Aakash was talking about the fact there has been very little chance for any proper practice in the lockdown, for everybody…that has actually shown the rustiness of some of the players in their first matches. Rohit (Sharma) didn’t strike the ball well, now in the second match he has got runs, MSD (Mahendra Singh Dhoni) didn’t strike the ball well in the first match.”
He continues, “Anushka was bowling to him, so 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 blaming her, where I am being sexist in this. I’m just only stating what was seen on the video which was seen on the video which was maybe recorded by somebody in the neighbouring buildings and put up and that’s the only thing I’m doing, but the point I’m trying to make is that there was no practice for anybody including Virat in the lockdown.”
“I have not been sexist, if somebody has interpreted it, what can I do,” he concludes.
Further, ABP News reports that he also issued a statement on air during the Delhi Capitals-Chennai Super Kings game saying, “I did not give any sexist comment. I just said that Virat Kohli didn’t get time to practice during the lockdown. We all saw how Virat Kohli was practicing on his terrace and Anushka was bowling to him. I just said Virat only got a chance to practice on Anushka’s bowling.”
“I request everybody to watch and hear it again then say whatever you want to. Don’t read the headlines, hear and watch on your own. I did not say anything sexist, nor I was trying to blame anyone, when I was talking about training during the lockdown, it was not when Kohli was dismissed. He was dismissed 3-4 balls later,” he added.
Clarifications aside, it’s worth pausing at this moment to remind ourselves that casual sexism shouldn’t have any place in 2020. A spouse’s name shouldn’t be dragged casually while the partner is under-performing.
What do you make of Gavaskar’s clarification? Tell us!