Cricketer Gautam Gambhir’s past has returned to haunt politician Gautam Gambhir.
Back in March this year, Gautam Gambhir had said he wanted India to forfeit its match against Pakistan an the World Cup. Speaking after the Pulwama attack on 14 February, Gambhir had told Sportstar:
“Either you don’t play them anywhere or open doors for them. What happened in Pulwama is absolutely not acceptable. I am sure it’s going to be difficult to boycott Pakistan in World Cup but they are not playing in bilaterals. The best they can do is to stop playing in Asia Cup as well, that’s what I believe.”
He had also said, “All of us need to decide if sports is more important or lives.”
This was days before Gambhir joined the BJP and a month before the Lok Sabha elections.
Cut to 16 June 2019.
Gautam Gambhir, now a BJP MP from East Delhi, had put his cricketer’s hat back on as a pundit on Star Sports during the India vs Pakistan clash.
He also took to Twitter to invite everyone to participate in the cricket fantasy league. “Play Star Contest with me for #IndvsPak match on @CricPlay,” he tweeted.
And just like the North in Game of Thrones’ Westeros, Twitter doesn’t forget either. So, this Gambhir “googly” was received by Twitterati with some smirk.
Comedian Kunal Kamra asked what Gautam Gambhir was doing in the commentary box.
Twitter user IRONY MAN called it ‘hypocrisy’.
“Political Gambhir versus cricketer Gambhir,” tweeted YouTuber Dhruv Rathee.
“It's one thing to be a hypocrite to suit your personal gain. But it's totally different when you inject poison of hate in public in the process,” said another Twitter user.
‘Nationalism Of Convenience’
One Twitter user said Gambhir is “making money out of a match he is opposing”.
Congress supporter Gaurav Pandhi said Gambhir “is being paid crores to compromise with his 'nationalism'”.
“So much convenience in nationalism,” said another Twitter user.
Satirist Akash Banerjee said his favourite player this season was Gautam Gambhir. “Show me ONE cricketer who manages vote bank and bank balance with such ease?
This is a true all-rounder,” he tweeted.
‘Perfect Fit For The BJP’
Many Twitter users seemed to think Gambhir has successfully become a politician. “Reminder of why Gautam Gambhir is such a perfect fit for the BJP: Opens his mouth to spout nonsense, doesn't practice what he preaches, backtracks on everything because he has no integrity, and is always ready to sell his soul for the right price,” said one user.
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