Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik received criticism for his comments while doing commentary during the second One-Day International between England and Sri Lanka on Thursday.
Karthik, who has played 26 Tests, 94 ODIs and 32 T20Is for India, was on air for Sky Sports when he reflected on cricket bats and ended up making a controversial comment.
“Batsmen and not liking bats – they go hand in hand,” said Karthik. “Most of the batters don’t seem to like their bats. They either like another person’s bat or... bats are like a neighbour’s wife, they always feel better.”
@DineshKarthik take a bow👏🏻👏🏻 Brilliant commentary 😂😂 I can imagine @felixwhite and @gregjames applauding right now #tailendersoftheworlduniteandtakeover pic.twitter.com/SLD4kxIB2n
— Jon Moss (@Jon_Moss_) July 1, 2021
Karthik, who only recently began his stint in the commentary box, had received praise for his keen insight during the ICC World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand.
However his comment on Thursday didn’t go down well with people and many called him out on social media.
He has not yet issued a statement on the issue.
Here are some reactions:
Yo @DineshKarthik, we're always excited to hear your voice in the background of good games and your analysis has been on point but you gotta do better than that misogynistic joke. Perpetuates the same toxic masculinity that doesn't need to exist in sport. A joke in poor taste!
— Tina Tengra 🙅🏻♀️ (@tinatengra07) July 2, 2021
why is everyone hailing Dinesh Karthik as a great commentator for his sexist and cringe comment comparing a married woman to a bat wtf is wrong with people????
— arundhati (@uwuzuumaki) July 2, 2021
@DineshKarthik that was disgusting. Will you apologise? #ENGvSL
— Rachel Romain (@RERomain) July 1, 2021
Humor and opinions are subjective. I felt Dinesh Karthik's comments are in poor taste. But since he built this image of most knowledgeable and likeable commentator with stylish outfits, I feel he'll get away easily. Anyone else would've found themselves in trouble.
— Prakash (@Prakash1049) July 2, 2021
Dinesh Karthik clearly not keen to have his Sky contract renewed ... pic.twitter.com/SYbEKH0Sae
— Jason Mellor (@jmelloruk1) July 1, 2021
Dinesh Karthik? What the hell was that?😮
— Kanav Bali🏏 (@Concussion__Sub) July 1, 2021
Even if there's a slight possibility that he's taking a dig at his own past & making the larger point about how batters always love to try out other players' bats, That statement is just ew 🤢. Could have been avoided for sure. Expected better from @DineshKarthik #ENGvSL
— Kartik O 🏏⚽🔗 (@KOCricket528) July 1, 2021
Dinesh Karthik's coming of age summer of commentary to have a premature ending? Too much of Whatsapp jokes leads one to danger.
— Narayanan S (@narayanantweaks) July 2, 2021
Hello @DineshKarthik that neighbour's wife comparison yesterday on mic was absolute cringe. Expected better of you King.
— Sunny (@ewyikesed) July 2, 2021
“Bats are like a neighbour’s wife, they always feel better”
— TheCricketMen (@thecricketmen) July 1, 2021
Dinesh Karthik is currently getting talked too behind the scenes 😭
Dinesh Karthik said what on the microphone? 😂😭😭😂😭
— Adam Sutherland (@ADSutherland_) July 1, 2021
"Bats are like neighbor's wife they always feel better" - Dinesh Karthik, 2021 😭😭
— //ded reach era (@nachosinthewood) July 2, 2021
Dipika Pallikal's husband is lucky to have her and that's all that needs saying. 💪🏼
— Isabelle Westbury (@izzywestbury) July 2, 2021
