During the segment, Sehwag and Harbhajan spent nearly a minute mocking Chahal’s slender physical stature, using terms such as "lakdi" (stick), "dancing pole," and "matchstick" to describe the bowler. The veteran cricketers also touched upon Chahal’s previous release from his former franchise, further leaning into a narrative that critics labeled as mean-spirited. Despite repeated attempts by lead anchor Jatin Sapru to steer the conversation back to the live action on the field, the duo persisted with the remarks. While Chahal was seen reacting with polite smiles on the monitors, the incident did not sit well with the digital audience, who quickly took to social media to voice their disapproval.
The fallout from the broadcast has been swift, with fans and analysts alike condemning the rhetoric as a form of body-shaming and bullying. While a segment of the viewership defended the interaction as harmless "friendly banter" typical of the camaraderie between former teammates, the prevailing sentiment across platforms called for a higher degree of decorum. Critics argued that such personal commentary undermines the dignity of active athletes and reflects poorly on the editorial oversight of the broadcasting network. The incident has intensified calls for broadcasting boards to implement stricter professional guidelines for ex-players transitioning into media roles.
This controversy serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving expectations in sports media, where the line between "candid" and "offensive" is increasingly scrutinized. As cricket continues to expand its global footprint, the demand for inclusive and respectful discourse is challenging the traditional, often unfiltered, style of veteran Indian commentators. Whether this backlash results in a formal reprimand or a shift in broadcasting policy remains to be seen, but it has undeniably set a precedent for how personal attributes are addressed in the heat of a live match.
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