Cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi recently found himself in hot water

He had mocked Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal

She said other sports more demanding than cricket

Young Kolkata Knight Riders cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi recently found himself in hot water after mocking Indian badminton star Saina Nehwal on social media. The controversy erupted after Nehwal, in a public statement, asserted that sports like badminton, tennis, and basketball are physically more demanding than cricket, while also criticizing the public for prioritizing cricket over other sports.

Also Read: Sportsmanship shines as Neeraj Chopra’s mother displays phenomenal camaraderie!

In an indirect response to Raghuvanshi’s remarks, Nehwal, a bronze medallist at the 2012 London Olympics, responded during a podcast. She questioned the relevance of comparing the two sports and asserted that Bumrah, India’s star fast bowler, might struggle against her in a badminton match.

Unplugged FT. Saina Nehwal

– If other sports get facilities and services like cricket, India will brings Medals like China and USA in every events.

– few were saying I cannot survive Bumrah’s bowling. if he plays Badminton with me, he might not be able to survive my smash. pic.twitter.com/qK2F6nj1Sd

— Shubhankar Mishra (@shubhankrmishra) August 8, 2024

“How will you become Virat at that level? How will you become Rohit Sharma? So many players have to become like them. They can’t. But I just feel that it’s more of a skill-based sport. And bowlers, I agree. I won’t die there. Why would I face Jasprit Bumrah anyways?” Nehwal said, adding, “If Jasprit Bumrah plays badminton with me maybe he won’t be able to take my smash.”

Nehwal also emphasized the need to value all sports equally, urging for a broader sporting culture in India beyond just cricket and Bollywood.