"It's worked like ghee on fire" - Aakash Chopra on Gary Kirsten's reported dressing room comments after Pakistan's 2024 T20 World Cup exit
Aakash Chopra has noted that Gary Kirsten's reportedly leaked dressing comments after Pakistan's 2024 T20 World Cup exit have added fuel to the fire. The recently appointed limited-overs head coach allegedly questioned the team's unity after their disastrous campaign.
Pakistan were eliminated from the ongoing T20 World Cup before the Super Eights, as they suffered defeats against the United States of America (USA) and India in Group A. Several former cricketers have claimed that the Men in Green were a divided unit.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra reflected on some of Pakistan cricket's recent controversies. Regarding Kirsten's reported statements, he said (1:15):
"Allegedly Gary Kirsten has said the Pakistan team is not a team at all, that they are looking to pull each others' legs, there are groups created and everyone is divided, they play together but don't do anything like playing together, the five fingers don't combine to make a fist. It's been said that he said that in the dressing room and that thing has come out."
"Gary Kirsten has probably said that he didn't say anything like that but Pakistan cricket is like a strainer. Whatever you put, it leaks from the other end. Since it's about Pakistan cricket and a bad campaign, you are reminded of one thing - success has many fathers and failure is an orphan. It's worked like ghee on fire," the former India opener added.
Chopra noted that Harbhajan Singh has even asked Kirsten why is he stuck in Pakistan and that he should return as India's head coach. However, he added light-heartedly that the role might not be available as Gautam Gambhir has already given an interview.
"We don't need personal comments" - Aakash Chopra on fan's supposed abusive behavior with Haris Rauf
Aakash Chopra also reflected on a social media video showing an altercation between Haris Rauf and a reportedly abusive fan.
"I have seen the clip. I am not sure how much edited or how true it is. I will only say that a player tries to give his best and even if he is unable to do well, whether it's Haris Rauf or Virat Kohli or Steve Smith, we don't need personal comments. Don't target their family," he said (10:00).
The reputed commentator added that fans should remain decent while criticizing players.
"It's expected that you will be well-mannered enough that you won't do it in front of the player. You did it digitally as well, that's also not good. I request you with folded hands that everyone's families should be spared. If you are heartbroken because you have invested in the team or the player, you can criticize but use the language that you can use with your family," Chopra added.
Several Pakistan cricketers have come out in support of Rauf. While acknowledging that fans have the right to criticize players' performances, they have urged them not to get personal.