“Flag shouldn’t touch the ground” - Indian captain Rohit Sharma garners criticism from netizens after changing his profile picture on X
Indian captain Rohit Sharma has been accused of disrespecting the Indian flag by netizens. Under his leadership, the Men in Blue won their second T20 World Cup in Barbados on June 29 by defeating South Africa in the final.
Earlier this year, BCCI secretary Jay Shah said that under Rohit’s captaincy, Team India would hoist the flag in Barbados. The prediction became a reality when Rohit Sharma’s side brought glory to India. After winning the final, the Indian captain was seen hoisting the Indian flag on the turf at Kensington Oval in Barbados.
On July 8, the right-handed batter changed his X profile picture to a portrait of the same. However, he soon began to garner criticism from netizens, who accused him of disrespecting the Indian flag.
While doing the historic feat, some part of the flag was touching the ground. The moment was linked to the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, which is an Act of the Parliament of India. This law forbids desecration of or offense to the nation's symbols, which include the flag, emblem, anthem, motto, constitution, and map of India.
Here's what a section of fans on Twitter wrote:
"It's disrespectful for the National flag to touch the ground, floor, or water. Pls switch up your display pic with the flag," a user commented.
“Please don’t disrespect the Indian flag. It’s touching on ground,” a netizen said.
"The flag should never be allowed touch the ground. But who will tell you that!!” said another.
Rohit Sharma to continue in the leadership role in the next two ICC events
BCCI secretary Jay Shah confirmed that Rohit Sharma will lead the Men in Blue in the Champions Trophy and the World Test Championship final. Jay Shah, as cited by News18, stated in a BCCI video:
"I am confident that under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma, we will win the WTC Final and the Champions Trophy. This was our third final within a year. On June 11 last year, we lost the WTC final.
"On November 19 after winning 10 matches, we won hearts but failed to win the ODI World Cup. But as I had said earlier this year in Rajkot, India proceeded to win hearts and the World Cup under Rohit’s leadership," he continued.
Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the shortest format of the game after winning the T20 World Cup.