A video from the 2023 World Cup final match between India and Australia has gone viral on social media, but not for the right reasons. The footage captures Hindi commentators discussing the game when the camera shifts to Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty in the audience. Harbhajan Singh, present in the Hindi commentary box, made a remark that some deemed 'misogynistic'.
The former Indian cricketer questioned the actresses' understanding of cricket.
Harbhajan, during the commentary, remarked, "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."
@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
Anushka and Athiya were in attendance to support their spouses, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul respectively.
Upon surfacing on social media, the video drew significant criticism for the perceived 'sexist' comment made by the Hindi commentators.
Users shared the video, expressing their disapproval of the 'understanding of cricket' remark.
One user wrote, "Hindi commentators openly mocking #anushkasharma on her understanding of cricket. Hum kab sudhrenge bhai, woh sirf Anushka nahi hai, she's the wife of #ViratKohli. Who has created history recently and mocking someone while so many people are watching is absolutely ridiculous."
Another user expressed their frustration, stating, "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."