Dinesh Karthik apologises for sexist remark during commentary: Got a lot of stick from my mum and wife

India cricketer Dinesh Karthik on Sunday apologised on-air for a sexist comment he had made during his commentary duty for the 2nd ODI between England and Sri Lanka. Karthik conceded that it was certainly not the right thing to say and assured of better choice of words during commentary in the future as he returned to the comm box for the 3rd ODI on Sunday in Bristol.

Dinesh Karthik was criticised on social media for drawing comparisons between cricket bats and “neighbour’s wife” during the 2nd ODI.

Karthik, who won a lot of praise for his astute and entertaining commentary during the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand last month, was called out for the sexist and misogynistic comment on Twitter.

While commenting on a passage of play where an England batsman was trying out a bat from the opposition’s balcony, Dinesh Karthik said: “Batsmen and not liking bats, they go hand in hand. Most of the batters don’t seem to like their bats. They either like another person’s bat. Bats are like a neighbour’s wife. They always feel better.”

Dinesh Karthik clearly not keen to have his Sky contract renewed … pic.twitter.com/SYbEKH0Sae

— Jason Mellor (@jmelloruk1) July 1, 2021

It’s an awkward time to be @DineshKarthik’s neighbor.

— Satya Kandala (@satyakandala) July 2, 2021

I want to apologise to everybody: Karthik

The India wicketkeeper used the same platform to apologise for his comments. Karthik has been part of Sky Sports’ commentary panel for the limited-overs series in England.

“I want to apologise for what happened last game. It’s not really what I intended. I just got it all wrong. I apologise to everybody. It’s definitely not the right thing to say,” Karthik said while being on-air during the 3rd ODI on Sunday.

“I got a lot of stick from my wife and my mum for saying that. I am really sorry that it shouldn’t happen again,” he added.

Karthik was only one of the two Indian cricketers along with Sunil Gavaskar who were part of the English commentary team of the host broadcasters for the WTC Final. Speaking to India Today, Karthik had said it was a privilege to work with Gavaskar and he was looking to learn from his commentary stint.

Karthik has made good use of the opportunity behind the mic during the English summer but the Kolkata Knight Riders star said he hasn’t given up on India comeback chances. Karthik last played for India at the 2019 World Cup but has been an integral member of KKR in Indian Premier League. He has been a regular for Tamil Nadu in the domestic season as well.