She is entitled to say: Ravi Shastri Backs Anushka Sharma On Controversy With Sunil Gavaskar

Team India head coach Ravi Shastri has weighed in with his views for the controversy involving his former teammate Sunil Gavaskar and Anushka Sharma, wife of current India skipper Virat Kohli.

Gavaskar had found himself in the centre of the storm after his alleged unsavoury remark for the Bollywood actress. The batting legend had made the comment on-air during the clash between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kings XI Punjab in September.

Soon after Virat Kohli had walked out to bat, Gavaskar had said: “Lockdown tha to sirf Anushka ki bowling ki practice ki unhone, wo video dekhi hai, us sey to kuch nahi hona hai” which roughly translates to – “During the lockdown he practised only Anushka’s bowling, I had seen in a video. But that is not going to be enough.”

Gavaskar’s comment was perhaps misinterpreted as he faced criticism from several quarters. Anushka Sharma was also not impressed with the former cricketer’s choice of words and had slammed him for his ‘distasteful’ comments while also asking him to explain his words.

Ravi Shastri’s reaction:

Speaking about the controversy, Ravi Shastri has backed Anushka Sharma, saying that the actress is entitled to speak if she was hurt with Gavaskar’s comment. After her outburst, Anushka had also faced criticism from several quarters including former cricketers for misinterpreting the entire scenario.

“If Anushka Sharma felt it, she is entitled to say. Whether the comment made by Sunil Gavaskar is agreeable or not, I would not have down that route myself,” Ravi Shastri told Times Now.

Meanwhile, Gavaskar had clarified his statement and had said the entire situation was blown out of proportion. The former cricketer-turned-commentator had also made it clear that he didn’t make any sexist comment.

“I did not make any sexist comment. I said 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 chance to practice on Anushka’s bowling,” Gavaskar had said.

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