Despite the win over Nepal, India captain Rohit Sharma and the Team India players were in the firing line of the fans and received heavy criticism on social media. This was because skipper Rohit Sharma signed an autograph on the jersey of Nepal leg-spinner Sandeep Lamichhane, who is currently out on bail on is accused of rape of a minor.
Last year, Sandeep Lamichhane, who is the most famous and prominent Nepal cricketer, was arrested and taken into custody over an alleged case of sexual coercion of a minor. The CAN (Cricket Association Nepal) had suspended him for a while during his time in custody, but he returned to action after being released on bail. He denied the allegations in a post on Facebook later on.
Earlier this year, the Scotland players had refused to shake hands with Sandeep Lamichhane after the conclusion of their game as a show of protest against his participation in international cricket.
So when the photos of Rohit Sharma and Team India players interacting with Lamichhane went viral, the Men In Blue received heavy criticism and flak from fans online.
Indian fans blast Rohit Sharma and India players for interacting with Sandeep Lamichhane:
https://twitter.com/Stuud_Souren/status/1699068886749262332?s=20
What people with a spine dopic.twitter.com/bxsr18iCFB
— ஜெதாலால் 🎺🎺🎺 (@30thMay2023) September 6, 2023
https://twitter.com/ImViaan/status/1699129529665741235?s=20
Endorsing rapists, not my skipper 👍🏻
— zak (@DEVlLLIERS) September 5, 2023
what a shame … someone tell Rohit about him
— Ishaan (@Ishaan_s8) September 5, 2023
Sorry what exactly is beautiful about a teenager trying to kill herself while this man gets a rape trial postponed to play cricket?
— Sarayu Pani (@sarayupani) September 5, 2023
You mean Lamichhane the rape accused? So beautiful indeed.
— Akhil Tandulwadikar (@drunkcaveman) September 5, 2023
India defeated Nepal to qualify for Super 4, set to face Pakistan again
India vs Pakistan round 2, which means in the Super 4, will take place on September 10 in Colombo after India sealed their Super 4 place following a heavy 10-wicket win over Nepal in Pallekele.
India’s openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 74(59) and 67(62) respectively against Nepal to gun down the DLS adjusted target of 145 in 20.1 overs in the chase that was chiseled to 23 overs for India after India had bowled Nepal out for 230. Rohit Sharma was given the Man of the Match award. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj took three wickets each.
From Group B, Afghanistan were knocked out by Sri Lanka in a close encounter in Lahore.
