Sanjay Bangar fat shames Oval Curator on LIVE TV; controversy erupts after Gautam Gambhir fight
Former India batter Sanjay Bangar faced backlash for an on-air comment during Day 3 (Saturday, August 2) of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval.
The cricketer-turned-commentator's body-shaming remark about a groundsman sparked criticism, with many calling it inappropriate and insensitive.
India dominated the morning session with their batting, adding over 100 runs while losing just one wicket. Akash Deep scored his maiden Test fifty and shared a 107-run partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal for the third wicket. As the pitch improved, India capitalized on the conditions to score freely.
Sanjay Bangar Makes Questionable Remark About Groundsmen on Day 3 at The Oval
Sanjay Bangar made a questionable remark on air for Star Sports during the first session of Day 3 in the fifth Test. As the broadcast showed footage of the pitch being rolled ahead of play, Bangar and Varun Aaron were discussing how the surface had changed since the earlier days of the match.
While the camera focused on a member of the ground staff operating the heavy roller, Bangar made a comment not just about the equipment but also about the groundsman.
"That indeed is a very heavy roller, I must say. Not necessarily for the weight of the roller, but also the weight of the groundsman sitting on it," Bangar said on Star Sports.
The pitch offered assistance to bowlers during the first two days of the Test, with its green surface helping them take 21 wickets across both days.
Sanjay Bangar Faces Criticism for On-Air Remark About Oval Groundsman
Sanjay Bangar's comment sparked backlash from fans, who criticized him for making a body-shaming remark about the groundsman. His words were condemned as unprofessional and inappropriate.
"Doesn't make a difference if u are a manjrekar or A bangar.. Sanjay s on jio hotstar are terrible...," a fan wrote.
"Dear Sanjay Bangar, Please refrain from bashing the groundsman, Lee Fortis. Commenting on someone's weight, especially in a public broadcast, is uncalled for. As a commentator, it's imp to maintain respect and dignity in your remarks. Let's keep the focus on the game," another stated.
India Set England a 374-Run Target After Batting Effort in the Second Innings
India resumed the third day at 75/2. Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed his sixth Test century, scoring 118 off 164 balls with 14 boundaries and two sixes. He shared a 107-run stand with Akash Deep, who impressed with 66 off 84 balls.
Ravindra Jadeja added another fifty to his tally, while Washington Sundar played a quickfire knock. Sundar reached his half-century in just 39 balls, including four boundaries and as many sixes. He was the final wicket to fall as India were bowled out for 396.
Captain Shubman Gill handed the new ball to Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna before bringing in Mohammed Siraj, who struck late in the day to remove Zak Crawley. England finished at 50/1 in 13.5 overs, with Ben Duckett unbeaten on 34 and 324 runs still required for victory.
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