Sunil Gavaskar explains statement after Anushka Sharma slams him for 'distasteful' remark

Actor Anushka Sharma on Friday slammed former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar for his "distasteful" remark about her while commenting on husband Virat Kohli's performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL). Gavaskar, however, defended his remarks, saying it was in reference to a video clip where Kohli and Anushka were seen enjoying some tennis ball cricket in their compound. Gavaskar also rubbished allegations on social media that he made a "sexist comment".

The batting legend on Friday during the Chennai Vs Delhi match commentary explained his statement and said, "I've not made any sexist comment. Neither have I blamed Anushka for anything. I would urge people to re-visit the clip and see what I have actually said. I did not say anything wrong. It was not sexist. Someone just made a headline, out of context. I would urge people to watch the clip again. It's not that Kohli got out when I said that, he was in fact, batting and got out quite later. So there's no blame game here."

 GAVASKAR EXPLAINS HIS COMMENT DURING CSK VS DC MATCH

Sunil Gavaskar on his comments on Virat and Anushka.#CSKvsDC #AnushkaSharma pic.twitter.com/k9F7Rhu628

— Aakash (@aakash8044) September 25, 2020

THE CLIP GAVASKAR CLAIMS TO BE REFERENCING 

There is nothing wrong in what #SunilGavaskar said. He was just mentioning how Virat Kohli didn't stop practicing with Anushka helping him during lockdown. Bina bat ki controversy!
pic.twitter.com/UFoFTddA33

— Vikas Pandey (@MODIfiedVikas) September 25, 2020

GAVASKAR'S ORIGINAL COMMENTARY

People are ready to troll, jump to conclusions...vindicate...hate !
Watch the video where Mr Gavaskar said "Virat practiced on Anushka bowling" not Balls.

His statement has been twisted it seems. #SunilGavaskarpic.twitter.com/nLUp3Dkm7o

— Arpit Maheshwari (@NuwalArpit) September 25, 2020

Gavaskar found himself in the midst of a controversy for making an unsavoury comment against Kohli and Sharma after the Indian captain's forgettable outing in the IPL match, held in Dubai. Anushka, who has faced negativity and trolling in the past as well for Kohli's performance, said she was tired of being dragged into cricket.

"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?" the actor said in a long statement posted on her Instagram Stories. Gavaskar was a part of the commentary team as Virat Kohli-led Bangalore team lost to Punjab on Thursday night and the Indian captain did not do well in the match.

He made the controversial comment about the cricketer's practice by referencing a video of Kohli and Sharma playing cricket during the lockdown. "Aur jab lockdown tha to sirf Anushka ki bowling ki practice ki unhone. Vo dikhayi di video me. (He has only faced Anushka's bowling during the lockdown. That's what we saw in the video). 

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(with PTI inputs)