• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Gautam Gambhir Clarifies Middle Finger Gesture Says Anti India Kashmir Slogans Provoked

Gautam Gambhir Clarifies 'Middle-Finger' Gesture; Says 'Anti-India, Kashmir' Slogans Provoked

image-lm50zih6Gambhir issued a statement within minutes post controversy

The Asia Cup 2023 match between India and Nepal at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Monday witnessed an unexpected episode. A video clip went viral on social media platforms showing former Indian cricketer, Gautam Gambhir showing his middle finger to a section of the crowd chanting Virat Kohli's name. However, there’s more to the story than what initially meets the eye.


Gautam Gambhir broke silence on viral 'middle-finger' incident

The incident occurred during a rain delay in the match. As Gambhir, a World Cup-winning cricketer, was walking out of the stand, there were audible chants of Virat Kohli's name from a distant stand. The video capturing the incident showed a seemingly agitated Gambhir making a gesture that caused quite a stir online.



The former turned politician has now shed light on his side of the story. While talking to the press present at the ground, Gambhir clarified that the section of the crowd in question consisted predominantly of Pakistani fans. These fans were allegedly not only chanting pro-Kohli slogans but were also raising anti-India chants and making remarks on Kashmir.

In his explanation, Gambhir further expressed his deep sentiment as an Indian and stated that he couldn't stand by and listen to derogatory comments about his homeland. He also highlighted that what often circulates on social media platforms may not always depict the full context or the true essence of an incident.

“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,” said Gambhir while talking to press at Pallekele.



It's worth noting that both Gambhir and Kohli have repeatedly dispelled rumours of any personal rift between them. They have consistently maintained that any intensity displayed on the field is just a result of the passion for the game and nothing personal.