Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has clarified that his obscene gesture during the Asia Cup 2023 clash was not in reaction to ‘Kohli-Kohli’ chants but directed towards Pakistan fans making comments on Kashmir. The video of Gambhir flipping the finger as ‘Kohli-Kohli’ chants were heard in the background has gone viral on social media.
“The crowd that was made up of Pakistani fans were shouting anti-India slogans were also passing comments on Kashmir. As an Indian I can’t take anyone saying this about my country hence reacted this way. What you see on social media isn’t always the correct picture,” Gambhir told the reporters.
However, the video is not of the India versus Nepal clash on September 4. It was recorded during the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh clash at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on August 31. The venue is the same as India’s second group-stage match.
Gambhir is currently a part of the commentary panel of Star Sports for Asia Cup 2023. The opener has been critical of India’s batting after the collapse against Pakistan in their campaign opener.
"That was a nothing shot, neither forward, neither back. I think was a bit casual. That's what you get when you play someone like Shaheen Afridi. You don't know whether to go forward or back," the left-handed batter said after Kohli got dismissed played on, in an attempt to push the ball toward off side.
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