Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma was the butt of all jokes as Australia thrashed India on their home turf in Sydney which left a billion hearts shattered. Is it a crime to be the girlfriend of one of the world’s best batsman? Anushka Sharma was seen cheering for the team and Kohli from the stands.
India’s star batsman Virat Kohli lasted just 13 balls before he attempted to pull paceman Mitchell Johnson only to loft a catch for wicketkeeper Brad Haddin in the 16th over. Some fans and followers even went to the extent of asking others to boycott Anushka’s movies, even though it was pretty clear from the video footage shown during the match that the actress was equally disappointed when Virat walked back to the dressing room. What wrong Anushka has done? She had only gone to see a cricket match like the families of other players. It is unfair to blame her for Kohli’s performance as people lack maturity.
Cricket fans have always been known to get a little carried away with emotions. Most people however were just sad and did not know how to vent out their anger and frustration. On the other hand, Bollywood came in support of Anushka Sharma and asked netizens to behave responsibly and stop blaming Anushka for Indian team’s defeat.
Cricket is a game of uncertainties and no professional cricketer including the likes of Virat Kohli would underperform purposely when stakes are so high in a world cup game. It was unsportsmanlike for fans to vent their frustration on Anushka.
Australia played brilliantly and planned India’s downfall with surgical precision and full marks to them for their efforts. Indians I thought played exceptionally well before the semis and the loss against the Kangaroo nation was one of those bad days which is part and parcel of sports. Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly criticised netizens for making Anushka scapegoat for Indian team’s loss. Ganguly said that Indian team lacks batting depth. According to him, Australia has the likes of Glenn Maxwell or Mitchell Johnson who can take wickets and score runs at the tail of the batting order but India don’t have them.
Cricket is a religion in our country and the entire nation mourned Team India’s loss but we must acknowledge the fact that the better team won. Kudos to Michael Clarke and his boys for their outstanding performance in a knockout match. The final between Australia and New Zealand would be a tough contest and may the team that plays better cricket win the championship!
Satyanarayan Kabra
