Fact Check: No, Gautam Gambhir’s comment on Virat Kohli’s batting for ‘singles’ is fake
Gambhir denied the viral statement; asked for an apology from CNN News18 for reporting an unverified statement.
By Sunanda Naik Published on 9 Nov 2023 12:42 PM GMT
Hyderabad: People on social media are sharing a Facebook post where former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir allegedly compared the batting strategy of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli and Australian cricketer Glenn Maxwell, in light of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
The Facebook post was shared with the caption, “Gautam Gambhir Said ‘Virat Kohli would have taken singles on 195 if Had he been there. But Maxwell Choosed to Hit six that’s what Makes him different.’ (sic)”
News18 also put out an article with Gautam Gambhir’s alleged statement and had also tweeted about it.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found that the claim is false.
Over a simple keyword search, the former cricketer tweeted from his official X handle on November 8, rubbishing the claim and expressing his concern over the fake statement along with a CNN News18 news cutout. He also asked for an apology from the news outlet for spreading false statements without verifying with him.
“What bullsh*t! When I say something, I say it openly. To all the so called verified handles - cite source or apologise! (sic)” he tweeted.
As soon as Gambhir tweeted, CNN News18 released an official apology on their official X handle on the same day, saying, “Dear @GautamGambhir, we sincerely apologise for the inadvertent error and the inconvenience it has caused you. Our intention was never to hurt or mislead. We have the highest regard and respect for you. The story has been taken down.”
Later, thanking CNN News18 for taking quick action and acknowledging their apology, Gambhir tweeted back: “Thank you @CNNnews18 for prompt action. Much appreciated. To all other verified handles, there are better ways of making money. Hatred will not take you far!”
News outlets inshorts and Free Press Journal also carried reports of News18 misreporting and subsequent Gautam Gambhir’s reaction.
Hence, we claim that Gautam Gambhir did not make any statements on the batting strategies of Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell.
