Ban on Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir: Virender Sehwag reiterates Sunil Gavaskar’s call for suspension
After Sunil Gavaskar, another Indian cricketing legend Virender Sehwag has called for tougher punishments for Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir to encourage improved behaviour. The two former Indian teammates were involved in an aggressive brawl after the IPL 2023 match with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
The heated argument between Kohli and Gambhir, who have a history of animosity, caused a stir on national television and has been the talk of the cricketing world for nearly two days.
Sehwag, who played with both players during his illustrious career, reminded the two of the responsibility they have as icons of Indian cricket and urged them to behave better in the future.
Sehwag expressed his opinion that the losing team should graciously accept their defeat and leave while the winning team should celebrate. While speaking to Cricbuzz, he questioned the need for Kohli and Gambhir to engage in verbal attacks.
Sehwag has emphasized that they are considered icons of the country and their actions or words could potentially influence millions of young fans to emulate their behavior.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has fined the players involved, but Gavaskar believes more needs to be done to prevent similar incidents in the future.
If the BCCI decides to suspend someone, such incidents may not occur or become less frequent in the future, Sehwag said. This is exactly what Sunny Gavaskar asked for earlier.
Viru has stressed the need to maintain decorum on the pitch and has expressed discomfort at his children being able to read the offensive language. He suggested keeping such exchanges within the confines of the locker room. He further added that if Kohli and Gambhir were allowed to say such things, young people would be encouraged to do the same, leading to more such incidents in the future.
The incident has once again brought the issue of player behavior into focus, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future. As two of India’s most acclaimed cricketers, Kohli and Gambhir should be an example to the millions of young fans who look up to them.