Ahmedabad: A viral video from the World Cup 2023 clash between India and Australia is causing a stir on social media, but for all the wrong reasons. In the footage, Hindi commentators are seen discussing moments from the match as the camera shifts to Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty. Harbhajan Singh, present in the Hindi commentary box, made a comment that is widely regarded as ‘misogynistic,’ where he expressed doubt about the actresses’ comprehension of cricket.
In the commentary, Harbhajan questioned the actresses’ understanding of cricket, stating, “Aur yeh main soch raha tha ki baat cricket ki ho rahi hai ya filmon ki. Kyunki cricket ke barein mein toh janta nahi kitni samajh hogi (And I was thinking whether the conversation is happening about cricket or films. Because I am not sure how much understanding they have about cricket).”
Anushka and Athiya attended the match at the Narendra Modi Stadium to support their spouses, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, who are participating in the tournament.
The video, capturing the sexist comments, triggered major social media backlash, with users condemning the Hindi commentators for their remarks on the actresses’ ‘understanding of cricket.’
“Hindi commentators openly mocking #anushkasharma on her understanding of cricket. Hum kab sudhrenge bhai, who sirf Anushka nahi hai, she’s wife of #ViratKohli, who has created history recently and mocking someone while so many people watching is absolutely ridiculous,’ a user wrote
“The commentator saying that Anushka and Athiya must be talking about films during the India vs Aus WC finals because “Cricket ki Zyaada samajh toh hogi nahi” is despicable. Misogyny is omnipresent, no matter the subject,” another angry user wrote.
Here’s how Twitter slammed Harbhajan Singh for his ‘sexist’ remarks on Anushka, Athiya
@harbhajan_singh What do you mean that the ladies understand cricket or not?? Please apologise immediately. @AnushkaSharma@theathiyashetty@klrahul@imVkohli#INDvsAUSfinal #INDvAUS #ICCWorldCupFinal pic.twitter.com/8gKlG8WvJP
— Arunodaya Singh (@ArunodayaSingh3) November 19, 2023
harbhajan singh in the comm box just said "idk if they're (anushka and athiya) talking about cricket or films, I don't think they have much knowledge about cricket"
— rea (@reaadubey) November 19, 2023