Don’t spread fake news, Navjot Singh Sidhu issues clarification

Soon after Navjot Sidhu reacted, the user has taken down his post

Last updated: October 20, 2025 | 18:16

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

2 MIN READ

Navjot Singh Sidhu

Dubai: Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has issued a strong clarification after a viral social media post falsely attributed comments to him regarding India’s plans for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

The post, which gained traction on platform X, claimed Sidhu had said: “If India wants to win the 2027 ODI World Cup, then BCCI should remove Ajit Agarkar and Gautam Gambhir as soon as possible and hand over the captaincy to Rohit Sharma again with full respect.”

Sidhu firmly refuted the claim on his official X handle, writing: “Never said it, don’t spread fake news, never imagined it. Shame on you.”

Soon after Navjot Sidhu reacted, the user has taken down his post from X.

Interestingly, Gambhir on Monday posted a picture of him and Navjot Sidhu on the occasion of latter’s birthday. Navjot Sidhu turned 63.

Gambhir described Sidhu as a person “who never minces his words” and a delightful “human being” while extending birthday wishes.

“A very happy birthday to the one who never minces his words. A straight shooter & a delightful human being!” Gambhir wrote on X.

Sidhu, known for his entertaining concoction of mixed metaphors, represented India in 51 Tests and 136 ODIs. In a career that spanned a total of 187 international appearances, Sidhu hammered 7,615 runs across all formats after making his debut in 1983.

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returned to international cricket for the first time since India’s Champions Trophy win on March 9, marking their comeback after more than six months. However, both stalwarts failed to make an impact in the opening match against Australia.

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Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.