Laxman Sivaramakrishnan, a former Indian cricketer, condemned notable journalist Rajdeep Sardesai after his significant efforts to undermine ‘Jai Shri Ram’ chants by the crowd during the 2023 ODI World Cup clash between India and Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Sardesai stated that Jai Shri Ram should not be used as an aggressive chant for mocking Pakistani players. He went on to say that Lord Ram is Maryada Purshottam, one who imparts enlightenment while avoiding hatred. However, the former Indian cricketer lambasted Sardesai for his remark by emphasizing the atrocities he endured as a 16-year-old boy in Pakistan.
“Afternoon musing: in our park in the morning, we often say ‘Ram Ram’ as an affectionate greeting to each other. Why then use Jai Shri Ram as an aggressive chant to mock Pakistani players? Lord Ram is Maryada Purshottam: he must bring enlightenment, not evoke enmity. Agree?,” Sardesai wrote on X.
“What abuses I have got as a 16 year old in Pakistan, only I know. From my colour to my religion to my country and culture. For Heaven’s sake if you have not experienced it, please don’t talk about it,” Sivaramakrishnan darted back through his reply.
See the X post:
What abuses I have got as a 16 year old in Pakistan,only I know. From my colour to my religion to my country and culture. For Heaven’s sake if you have not experienced it, please don’t talk about it.
— Laxman Sivaramakrishnan (@LaxmanSivarama1) October 15, 2023
Indian fans chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ after Mohammad Rizwan’s dismissal in ODI World Cup game
The Indian spectators at the Narendra Modi Stadium chanted ‘Jai Shri Ram’ as Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan made his way back to the pavilion. He got bowled on a peach of a delivery from star Indian speedster Jasprit Bumrah in the ODI World Cup 2023 game, after scoring 49 off 69 deliveries, including seven boundaries.
It is worth mentioning that Rizwan’s latest tweet caused quite a stir in the world. The wicketkeeper-batter who scored a century in Pakistan’s win over Sri Lanka dedicated his country’s victory to “brothers and sisters in Gaza.” He also expressed gratitude to the Indian audience, saying, “Extremely grateful to the people of Hyderabad for the amazing hospitality and support throughout.”