Sehwag, Harbhajan slammed for ‘uncomfortable’ on-air teasing of Yuzvendra Chahal

A section of cricket fans and social media users have expressed strong displeasure over the Hindi commentary panel’s treatment of Yuzvendra Chahal during a recent match, saying the repeated jokes and remarks crossed the line from light banter into public humiliation and body-shaming.

During the broadcast, former cricketers Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh, alongside Chahal in the studio, were allegedly seen repeatedly teasing the leg-spinner, commenting on his physique, referring to him as ‘lakdi’ and ‘dubla-patla’, and even reportedly dragging in references to his RCB exclusion. 

Viewers noted that the jokes continued throughout the commentary, despite anchor Jatin Sapru’s visible attempts to steer the discussion back to the game.

While Chahal maintained a smile and responded politely, many viewers felt his body language suggested discomfort. Several users pointed out that a player’s silence or politeness should not be mistaken for consent, especially on a national broadcast watched by millions.

Yesterday, I was watching the match on Hindi commentary, with Chahal alongside Sehwag and Harbhajan and honestly, it was uncomfortable to watch. They kept teasing him non-stop: calling him “lakdi,” “dubla-patla,” taunting him about his RCB exclusion, even mocking him with things… pic.twitter.com/qiPQGFatGz

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) February 8, 2026

Netizens Call Out ‘Bullying’, Not Banter

The incident triggered sharp reactions on X, with users questioning whether senior ex-players should be given unchecked freedom on commentary panels.

One user wrote, “Sehwag and Harbhajan are not commentary material. Just because they were successful players doesn't mean they understand the etiquettes and nuances of commentary. I am sure that the country has many people suited for this job but broadcasters only want ex-players who come for doing time pass and relive their past.”

Another comment criticised the tone of the jokes and wrote, “Laughing at a player isn’t banter. When seniors like Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh mock Yuzvendra Chahal on live TV, it looks like bullying, not humor. Body-shaming in a World Cup studio isn’t ‘fun’—it’s embarrassing.”

Some users also placed the episode in a broader cultural context, arguing that such remarks are often normalised. “This is not the first time he has faced this. We normalise terms like Bauna, Golti, Kalu… and yet complain of racism against us in the West. New India,” commented another user.

“Both Sehwag and Harbhajan behaved very badly with Chahal yesterday. It doesn't suit them, being such big players. Chahal is a very nice and simple person, and that doesn't give them the right to say whatever they want,” wrote an X user.

Seniority Comes With Responsibility!

While light-hearted banter has long been part of cricket commentary, many netizens argued that repeated personal jokes, especially about body type or career setbacks, shift the tone from humour to ridicule. 

Several users stressed that seniority should come with empathy and responsibility, particularly when a current player is seated on the same panel.