Last night, RCB captain Virat Kohli made blunders not typical of him. He dropped two very crucial catches, one of which cost his side 26 runs in a single over.
That was ought to become a topic of discussion and to be fair, it should. However, the narrative soon shifted from his performance to Anushka Sharma’s role in his on-field failures because of a statement made by Sunil Gavaskar while Virat was batting.
Because that is what happens in our society.
Anushka started getting trolled and was subjected to sexist comments from viewers, who were joined in this disgusting affair by the legend of the game, Sunil Gavaskar.
Commentating during the match, Gavaskar used these words for Virat Kohli.
Inhone lockdown mein toh bas Anushka ki gendon ki practice ki hai.
This one line divided Twitter. Some people said that the statement was made in context of a viral video where Anushka and Virat could be seen playing cricket on their terrace. While others, thankfully, supported Anushka through this ordeal and criticised Gavaskar for his remark, which unnecessary in any scenario.
The highlight of the entire episode, though, is the Instagram story by Anushka. Addressing Gavaskar directly, she writes:
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 for her husband’s game?
While adding:
I am 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?
She ended her note with this important question.
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?
While it is unfortunate that Anushka should have to state these things for people to understand them, we laud her courage for not accepting disrespect. You can read her entire message here.