TV anchor targets Siraj and Umran for their religion, calls them anti-nationals; gets a befitting reply from fans

On Saturday morning, February 4, India’s bowling legends Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik dominated the internet after a video surfaced online in which the two seamers refused to apply Tilak on their foreheads when they checked into their Nagpur hotel, Maharashtra, the hosts for the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match, which begins on February 9.

A few hate mongers used this opportunity to foment hatred among viewers, specifically targeting Siraj and Malik’s religion. Suresh Chavhanke, the Editor-in-Chief of Sudarshan News, was among the first to call Siraj and Malik anti-nationalists in a tweet.

“Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik refused to apply tilak. They play for India and not Pakistan. They are extremists toward their religion,” tweeted Chavhanke.

मोहम्मद सिराज और उमरान मलिक ने स्वागत में माथे पर टीका नहीं लगवाया। वह पाकिस्तान नही हिंदुस्थानी टीम के खिलाडी हैं। अंतरराष्ट्रीय क्रिकेटर बनने के बाद भी वह अपने धर्म के प्रति कट्टर हैं। #Jago
pic.twitter.com/1sYHVlTJl1

— Suresh Chavhanke “Sudarshan News” (@SureshChavhanke) February 3, 2023

Several commenters chastised Suresh for inciting hatred, pointing out that India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour and a few other supporting staff members who practise Hinduism declined to apply tilak. They went on to say that the hate-mongers left them out of their tweet in order to focus on Muslim athletes.

Nonetheless, famous sports journalist Boria Majumdar responded appropriately, tweeting, “Agar aap log Siraj jaise nationalist ban sakte hain toh ban jaiye” (If you can become a nationalist like Siraj, please do become one). India will be a better place as a result. The tricolour was flying in Australia for Siraj, and India was proud. Don’t spread hatred. And if you’re doing it for social media likes, it reflects on you as a person. Get a grip.”

Agar aap log Siraj jaise nationalist ban sakte hain toh ban jaiye. India will be a better place. For Siraj the tri colour was flying in Australia and all of India was proud. Don’t peddle hate. And if you are doing for social media likes that shows you as a person. Get a life. https://t.co/BLxSJ463Ie

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) February 4, 2023

Mohammed Zubair, founder of Alt News also exposed Suresh and tweeted, “Vikram Rathour & Hari Prasad Mohan didn’t apply tilak too. But @SureshChavhanke & other Right-wing accounts want you to focus on Muslim players Umran Malik & Mohammed Siraj.”

Vikram Rathour & Hari Prasad Mohan didn't apply tilak too. But @SureshChavhanke & other Right wing accounts want you to focus Muslim players Umran Malik & Mohammed Siraj. https://t.co/twbMex2j4o pic.twitter.com/U96VSDp4bp

— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) February 3, 2023

Siraj will be in the playing 11 for the first Test in Nagpur and will be crucial for India throughout the series. With Jasprit Bumrah out for at least the first two Tests, the likes of Siraj and Mohammed Shami will have to bear extra burden and provide India with early breakthroughs with the ball.

Siraj has 46 wickets to his name in 15 Tests, including one five-wicket haul. Indian fans will never forget how brilliantly he bowled in Australia during the 2020-21 trip, as Team India continued to lose key pacers owing to various injuries. India had won the series 2-1 after losing 0-1 at Adelaide in a match in which the visitors were bowled out for 36 runs.

 

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