Snide remarks by Harbhajan on Anushka and Athiya?

A video from the World Cup 2023 match between India and Australia is going crazy viral on social media and for absolutely the wrong reasons. The video shows Hindi commentators dissecting the minutes of the match when the camera pans towards Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty. Harbhajan Singh, who was in the Hindi commentary box, made a rather 'misogynistic' remark where he questioned the actresses' understanding of cricket.

Harbhajan, during the commentary, said, "Aur yeh main soch raha tha ki baat cricket ki ho rahi hai ya filmon ki. Kyunki cricket ke barein mein toh janta nahi kitni samajh hogi (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)."

Anushka and Athiya were present at the Narendra Modi Stadium to support their spouses Virat Kohli and KL Rahul, respectively, who are playing in the tournament.

As soon as the video surfaced on social media, the Hindi commentators faced massive backlash for their 'sexist' comments. X users shared the video and slammed them for their 'understanding of cricket' remark.

India Today

Did they apologize ?

Cute. Geeta would be so proud of him.

Har baat ko nai pakadte yaar.

Isn't he married to Geeta Basra? Very ironic of him to mock other cricketers' bollywood wives.

Rude and offensive. Wasn’t Anushka doing a movie on cricket? Or did he meant star kids? I don’t know why some people always target or pick on Anushka for no reason. She already got so black lash few years ago. Absolutely sick.

Sorry I dont understand. Do we need to understand the subject to show support and be there with our spouses/families now ? Or even to attend the match ? Wasn’t loving the country and wanting India to win was good enough a reason anymore ?

Trying to play devil's advocate here as I know his own wife was an actress too.. he is probably just referring to the difference in their professions. Don't think it was misogynistic.. maybe ignorant, but not misogynistic.

They were here to support their spouse.

Also they r watching as an audience so u don't have to know every detail of game just basic is enough.

Aise to audience ko bhi nai pta sab to kya match na dekhe.

Foolish harbhajan.

I would rather question his role in the commentary box - he hardly does any proper commentary and that's one of his day jobs now (not even going to get into his 50% attendance as a rajya sabha member). Do line toh dhang se bol nahi pata hai match ke baare mein - all he has is cringe quips and one liners which no one finds funny