Bollywood superstar hits out at Gavaskar over distasteful comments about husband Kohli

Bollywood superstar Anushka Sharma has slammed Sunil Gavaskar after he referenced her while discussing husband Virat Kohli’s lack of match practice, according to media reports.

The couple are expecting their first child in January.

“During the recent lockdown he (Kohli) only practised against Anushka’s bowling … But that is not going to be enough,” the legendary Indian cricketer had said.

Sharma starred in a dozen hit films and built a successful career before marrying India captain Kohli but is regularly harassed online by cricket fans whenever her partner fails with the bat, AFP reported.

Gavaskar commentated at Thursday’s match in Dubai at which Kohli’s Royal Challengers Bangalore lost Kings XI Punjab.

Gavaskar said it was clear Kohli did not get enough proper practice ahead of the T20 tournament.

On Thursday, Kohli dropped two catches off KL Rahul that let his Test teammate cruise to a record-breaking century while Kohli was dismissed for one run during the chase. He was also later fined $16,300 for his team’s slow over rate.

Gavaskar referred to a recent viral video which showed Sharma bowling to Kohli on their apartment terrace in Mumbai while the city’s residents were stuck at home at the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

Sharma responded with an Instagram post slamming Gavaskar for his “distasteful” comment.

“I would love for you to explain why you thought of making such a sweeping statement” the 32-year-old wrote.

“It’s 2020 and things still don’t change for me. When will I stop getting dragged into cricket,” she added.

Twitter lit up over the incident with furious fans calling for Gavaskar to be sacked from commentary, while others sent messages of support of the commentator, AFP added.

Gavaskar was yet to comment publicly.

Sharma and Kohli, 31, began dating in 2014 and have since been a staple in celebrity magazines and newspapers.