Yesterday proved to be an unfavorable day for both Team India on the field and Harbhajan Singh in the online sphere. The ex-cricketer faced severe criticism on the internet during the India vs. Australia World Cup final, as a segment of online users condemned his sexist remark targeting actors Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty. The comment, questioning their cricket knowledge, gained traction and went viral during the match.
Anushka and Athiya were seated together at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad, cheering for their respective cricketer husbands Virat Kohli and KL Rahul. During the first innings when the camera panned at the two actors, Harbhajan Singh was heard saying,
I was thinking about whether the conversation is happening about cricket or films. Because I am not sure how much understanding they have about cricket.
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"#Worlds2023#INDvsAUSfinalpic.twitter.com/r5GhJ2gnjZ
— 133*𓃵 (@133_NotOut) November 19, 2023
His comments naturally led to social media outrage on X (formerly Twitter) as users slammed him for his “misogynistic” take. Here are a few of the comments by enraged social media users, take a look!
The audacity Harbhajan Singh has talking about how Anushka and Athiya might be talking about movies cuz they do not understand the game of cricket..IN NATIONAL MEDIA!
— Omahasiya Vahiyaya (@SaltyBeeee) November 19, 2023
What’s with Harbhajan Singh’s misogynist comments on Anushka and Athiya?! “I don’t know if they’re talking about cricket or films, I don’t think they know much about cricket” Can the others in the commentary box ask him to stick to talking about those on the field? #CWC23Final pic.twitter.com/ubM25GscnG
— Shilpa (@shilpakannan) November 19, 2023
Harbhajan Singh suggesting Anushka and Athiya lack cricket knowledge, saying ‘I don’t know if they’re talking about cricket or films, I don’t think they know much about cricket.’ Just doesn’t sit right, not coool
— Akriti Sharma (@akritiisharma) November 19, 2023
Typical. @harbhajan_singh you are disgrace as a person. Can understand your insecurity as a cricketer but projecting it to wives of your ex-team mates? Pathetic as usual. Can’t expect anything more from him. https://t.co/p1hc1sCt0g
— Areyyyyy Yaarrrrrr (@A_niche11) November 19, 2023
Harbhajan Singh is a graceless sexist lout for attacking Anushka Sharma & Athiya Shetty. You have to be blind, blinkered & prejudiced not see see the beautiful relationship Virat & Anushka share. He’s lucky to have such a supportive partner
— Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) November 20, 2023
Did Harbhajan Singh doing commentary just say that Anushka and Athiya probably don't know much about cricket? Vile
— Ria Chopra 🐍 (@riachops) November 19, 2023
They were talking about how their husbands will score a 50 today, @harbhajan_singh pic.twitter.com/Wtba4p5KFr
— Yashvi (@BreatheKohli) November 19, 2023
“Shayad filmon ki baatein hori hai ya cricket ki, pata nahi cricket ki kitni samajh hogi”
The audacity of the commentators to pass a sexist comment on such a broadcast.
Shame pic.twitter.com/3iZilWhDZc
— Richa Singh (@RichaaaaSingh) November 19, 2023
Harbhajan has found himself embroiled in controversy during the World Cup on previous occasions. Just this month, he engaged in a verbal altercation on X when former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq suggested that the Indian player was on the verge of switching allegiances during the tour of the subcontinent nation.
