The two bowling greats from India, Mohammed Siraj and Umran Malik, took over the internet on Saturday morning, February4, after a video of them refusing to receive the Tilak when they checked into their hotel in Nagpur, Maharashtra, the venue for the first Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match, which starts on February9, went viral.
A few bigots took advantage of the occasion to incite viewers’ animosity toward Siraj and Malik’s religion. Editor-in-Chief of Sudarshan News Suresh Chavhanke was one of the first to label Siraj and Malik anti-nationalists in a tweet.
“Umar Malik and Mohammed Siraj declined to put tilak on. They compete for India rather than Pakistan. They are religious extremists, Chavhanke wrote on Twitter.
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
Many readers criticised Suresh for encouraging animosity, pointing out that Vikram Rathour, the batting coach for India, and a few other members of the support staff who practise Hinduism rejected to put on the tilak. They continued by claiming that the hateful individuals left them out of their tweet in favour of Muslim athletes.
However renowned sports journalist Boria Majumdar tweeted, “Agar aap log Siraj jaise nationalist ban sakte hain toh ban jaiye,” in response. (If you can, please do it and become a nationalist like Siraj.) As a result, India will become a better place. India was pleased to see the tricolour flying in Australia for Siraj. Do not incite hostility. Additionally, if you do it to gain likes on social media, it speaks poorly of you personally. Take control.
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
Vikram Rathour and Hari Prasad Mohan didn’t apply tilak either, according to a tweet from Mohammed Zubair, the founder of Alt News, who also exposed Suresh. However, right-wing accounts like @SureshChavhanke encourage you to pay attention to Muslim stars Umran Malik and 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 a key player for India throughout the series and will be included in the starting 11 for the first Test in Nagpur. Jasprit Bumrah’s absence for at least the first two Tests would put additional pressure on players like Siraj and Mohammed Shami to carry the load and give India early successes with the ball.
In 15 Test matches, Siraj has taken 46 wickets, including one five-wicket haul. While Team India continued to lose important pacers to injuries throughout the 2020–21 tour, his outstanding bowling in Australia will live in the memory of Indian fans forever. India had lost the match 0-1 in Adelaide, where they had been bowled out for 36 runs, and had gone on to win the series 2-1.
Also Read: Alex Carey, Australia’s keeper, is wary of the reverse-swing threat ahead of the spin exam in India.
-IANS
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