Navjot Sidhu Slams Fake Quote on Gambhir-Agarkar Row: 'Shame on You'

Navjot Sidhu found himself in the middle of an unexpected social media storm on Monday. A viral post falsely claimed he had demanded the removal of India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar following the team’s defeat against Australia. The quote attributed to him read like a harsh call to action, prompting immediate buzz. But Sidhu wasted no time calling it out. In a strongly worded tweet, he stated, "Never said it, don't spread fake news, never imagined it. Shame on you." The post was later deleted.
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India’s Defeat Adds Fuel to Online Fire

The fake quote surfaced in the aftermath of India’s seven-wicket defeat to Australia in the first ODI in Perth. Led by Shubman Gill, the team struggled with both bat and ball on a bouncy, rain-hit track. Returning stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli failed to make an impact, with Kohli falling for a duck and Rohit managing only eight runs. India limped to 136 for 9 in 23 overs, and Australia comfortably chased down the revised target. The loss ended India’s winning momentum post their Champions Trophy triumph.


Gambhir and Agarkar in the Spotlight

As public scrutiny intensified following the loss, the roles of coach Gautam Gambhir and selector Ajit Agarkar came under fan criticism. However, the viral post falsely dragging Sidhu into the mix added unnecessary controversy. The message, posted by a user named Jod Insane, suggested that Rohit Sharma should be reinstated as captain immediately. While such comments are not uncommon online, attributing them falsely to a public figure like Sidhu crossed the line, especially given the current heated climate around Indian cricket .



Sidhu’s Quick Reaction Shuts Down Rumour Mill

Sidhu’s response was swift and direct, helping prevent the misinformation from spreading further. By publicly denying the statement and expressing his outrage, he not only defended his name but also reminded fans and media to verify facts before sharing. His message struck a chord with many who are growing increasingly wary of fake narratives spreading online. The incident serves as a wake-up call about the power of unchecked social media posts, especially when emotions run high after national team performances.


What’s Next for India After Perth Debacle?

With the next ODI scheduled for October 23 in Adelaide, Team India will aim to bounce back strong. The return of Kohli and Rohit adds experience to the squad, but their rusty performances in Perth raised concerns. Gambhir and Agarkar, under the microscope, will be hoping for a better team showing to silence critics. While India still has two games to turn the series around, the off-field distractions, like the Sidhu fake news incident, underline how public sentiment can quickly shift in the digital age.