Sad that it happened, it was unnecesary: Avesh Khan on his controversial celebration against RCB
Bengaluru: Avesh Khan, the fast bowler from Madhya Pradesh, expressed regret over his helmet-throwing incident during an IPL match between Lucknow Supergiant's and Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru. In an interview with the Indian Express, Khan admitted that his emotions got the better of him in the heat of the moment, leading to the incident.
He acknowledged that his actions were inappropriate and expressed remorse for his behavior, particularly as it gained significant attention and criticism on social media.
Looking ahead, Khan is hopeful of making a comeback to the Indian team as the West Indies series approaches. His last appearance for India was in October 2022 against South Africa. While he was not included in the T20 World Cup squad in Australia, Khan performed well in domestic cricket, particularly in test matches, where he claimed 38 wickets in eight matches for Madhya Pradesh. However, his IPL campaign did not meet his personal expectations. Despite this, Khan highlighted his contribution to the team, bowling crucial overs in the powerplay and at the death, and maintaining an economy rate of less than 10 in a season characterized by high-scoring matches.
Khan received praise from his Lucknow team coach, Andy Flower, for his dedication and selflessness in prioritizing the team's success. Flower commended Khan's commitment, even playing through injuries, as he had stitches in his hand during some IPL games. Khan emphasized the challenges faced by fast bowlers, particularly the mental toll of transitioning from international cricket to domestic cricket. He spoke about the demanding schedule, physical strain, and limited rest days associated with playing domestic matches.
In his pursuit of an India comeback, Khan has sought guidance from various experts. Subroto Banerjee, a current selector, advised him to focus on keeping his wrist straight, while Paras Mhambrey, the Indian team's bowling coach, provided insights on utilizing the non-bowling arm effectively. Additionally, Gautam Gambhir, the Lucknow team mentor, encouraged Khan to bowl at maximum pace, even if it meant conceding runs. Khan has diligently analyzed his bowling videos to identify areas for improvement and work on rectifying his shortcomings, Khan said during the interview.
When asked about his chances of being selected for the upcoming tour of the West Indies, Khan remained hopeful but acknowledged that the selection process was beyond his control. He expressed determination to make a comeback and emphasized his commitment to achieving that goal.
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Choose faith or future: BJP alleges 'second-class treatment' of Hindus in K'natka CET row
New Delhi (PTI): The BJP on Saturday accused the Karnataka Congress government of being "anti-Hindu" and following double standards after students appearing for the Common Entrance Test (CET) were allegedly asked to remove their 'janeu'.
A political row erupted after five Brahmin students were allegedly forced to remove the thread, considered sacred and worn across the torsos, at a city college in during the CET on Friday.
Students alleged that the invigilators at Madivala asked them to remove their janeu/yajnopaveetha if they wanted to write the exam.
In a video post on X, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla lambasted the act.
"Is it a crime to be a Hindu in Karnataka? In Karnataka, students were stopped from entering the examination hall for wearing a janeu and were given a brutal option -- choose your faith or your future. This happened last year as well," Poonawalla alleged.
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He accused the Karnataka government of practising double standards and engaging in appeasement politics.
"In Karnataka, we have seen the politics of appeasement. Muslim reservation, a Muslim-only budget, and quotas and contractual work for Muslims. But Hindus have to remove their sacred thread if they want to take an exam, which even the courts have, by the way, allowed," he alleged.
He accused the Congress government of adopting a similar approach in other states where it is in power, while allowing hijab and burka in classrooms.
"It has happened in various Congress-ruled states. We have seen that the Congress party advocates the right to hijab and burkha within the classroom. They say this should be allowed. Even the courts have overruled it.
"But in the case of janeu, they want it to be removed. This is not the first time this has happened. In Telangana and other states, the tilak and mangalsutra were removed. But hijab is fine. This is the kind of second-class treatment being given to Hindus," he added.
Poonawalla said the Congress should rename itself from INC to "MMC -- Muslim League Maowadi Congress" or the "Islamic National Caliphate Party".
As the controversy took a political turn, the college suspended the invigilator pending inquiry. The government also ordered a probe.
The police registered a case and detained three staff members of Krupanidhi College who were in charge of examination checking for questioning, officials said.
A similar incident took place last year in Karnataka, following which the government directed that the candidates would not be asked to remove the janeu while appearing for the CET.
