Veteran Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle has been gaining traction in recent days after his epic 8-tweet thread slamming the English media and their “colonial” attitude for criticising Deepti Sharma after the Indian all-rounder ran out England batter Charlotte Dean who was backing up too far at the non-striker’s end in the Lord’s ODI.
Dean’s was the last wicket to fall when the hosts needed 17 runs to win, and India clean-swept England 3-0 in the ODI series.
This sparked a furore on social media and in news outlets with ex and current English cricketers and their media criticising Deepti for his decision to run Dean out at the non-striker’s end, despite being completely within the laws.
Harsha Bhogle on Thursday put out a long threat voicing his opinion, with hard-hitting words, saying that Dean had been “gaining an illegal advantage and was a habitual offender”. Bhogle lambasted the English media, calling out their “colonial” attitude while defending the “vitriol directed towards Deepti”.
While many replied to Bhogle’s tweet, one which gained attention pretty quickly was from none other than the England Test captain, Ben Stokes.
Harsha Bhogle stands up for his opinion in his reply to Ben Stokes
In his tweet, Stokes said that Indian fans still troll him and message him over the deflection from his bat in the 2019 World Cup final against New Zealand.
“Harsha .. 2019 WC final was over 2 years ago, I still till this day revive countless messages calling me all sorts from Indian fans, does this disturb you?“ Stokes quoted one of Bhogle’s tweets.
Bhogle, in his ever graceful manner, sided with Stokes on the trolling due to the deflection of his bat – since it was not in his control – but also explained his point on the criticism that Deepti has been receiving, stating that the English culture is responsible for the players and media believing that Deepti did something wrong.
“Well, you were not at fault on that one so with you there. On the reaction in England to the non-striker backing up, I think it is what you are told when you learn the game and so, part of culture. Very happy to chat about it one day if you have a moment. Cheers,” Bhogle replied.
Here, check out the conversation:
Well, you were not at fault on that one so with you there. On the reaction in England to the non-striker backing up, I think it is what you are told when you learn the game and so, part of culture. Very happy to chat about it one day if you have a moment. Cheers
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 1, 2022
