Sehwag’s Comment on Jat Community Sparks Big Controversy During IPL
Virender Sehwag stirred massive controversy during the IPL 2025 commentary by calling Jats "paidal" or lacking intelligence. His remark, aimed at different Jat dialects, triggered public backlash across social media. Though meant as humor, fans demanded an apology. Sehwag, a cricket legend with 104 Tests and 251 ODIs, now faces criticism off the field.
After being the face of bold commentary in the IPL 2025 season, Virender Sehwag has now stirred significant controversy with a remark seen as casteist. While leading the Haryanvi commentary panel, Sehwag made an insensitive joke targeting the intelligence of the Jat community across different states. He commented that although Jats from Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana speak different dialects, they are all “slow” regarding intelligence — using the term “paidal” (on foot), which many found demeaning.
The remark quickly triggered backlash on social media, with users slamming Sehwag for making such a stereotypical and offensive comment on air. Calls for an apology grew rapidly, as critics condemned the casual caste-based stereotyping on a public platform.
Virender Sehwag, a legendary cricketer, has had a glorious career. He played 104 Tests, 251 ODIs, and 19 T20Is for India, including being a key part of the 2007 T20 and 2011 ODI World Cup-winning teams. He remains the only Indian to score two triple centuries in Test cricket and also has a double century in ODIs.
Ironically, while Sehwag faces this controversy, his former IPL team, Delhi Capitals, currently leads the points table with three wins in three matches, ahead of Gujarat Titans, RCB, and Punjab Kings.
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