There have been repercussions off the field after India toured England, as one of the bodyguards of a star Indian cricketer reportedly misbehaved with the Indian journalists covering the current India-England ODI series.
The word 'incident' is used here in the loosest possible sense. This is said to have happened after India's 6-wicket win in the first ODI at Edgbaston on 14 July. There was no friction between any of the players on this tour until now, but the allegations against the bodyguards have been making rounds on the net.
India got off to a flying start in the three-match ODI series against England, successfully chasing down their target of 259 in easy style. Axar Patel shone in both departments, taking four wickets and 50 not out with the bat to leave Shubman Gill's men 1-0 up.
Journalist alleges bodyguard abused media personnel.
As per Abhishek Tripathi from Jagran News, one of the Indian players' bodyguards has been misbehaving with various journalists covering the tour.
Tripathi stated that the player was not from India's T20I squad and was there only for the ODI series. He went on to say that the bodyguard was abusive in the use of language to a journalist in the designated media zone after the conclusion of the first ODI.
Tripathi posted on X:
"A bodyguard of a player from the Indian ODI team has been continuously misbehaving with the media present at the venue. This bodyguard was not with the T20I squad."
The post further added:
"The same individual, who has previously behaved rudely with the media, again abused a journalist who was standing in the designated media area, repeatedly saying “Fk off, Fk off” at the media manager’s instruction. By that time, the player he was guarding had already boarded the team bus."
The name of the player whose bodyguard was involved has not officially been announced. A picture of the bodyguard has been distributed on social media.
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India's focus shifts to the second ODI
Despite the furore, the focus of Indian minds will immediately shift to the second ODI against England at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff.
Following the defeat in the five-match T20I series 4-0, India bounced back in the first ODI to lead the 50-over series 1-0. England, led by Harry Brook, now enters the must-win clash before heading into the final match at Lord's.
Until now, there has been no official response from either the BCCI or the Indian team management to the accusations. It is also uncertain whether any action will be taken in response to the journalist's claims.
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