After Rasool’s gum chewing incident a video of Sourav Ganguly doing something similar during the WC 2003 final surfaces

A huge controversy broke out on social media when a video of Indian off-spinner Parvez Rasool chewing gum during the national anthem ahead of the start of the 1st T20I between India and England at Kanpur was shared by some angry fans. There was a huge wave against him for not respecting the national anthem despite wearing the uniform of the national team and playing for Team India.

Rasool who was making his T20I debut with the match was seen chewing while all other Indian players and spectators at the Green Park Stadium sung the national anthem. It was a special occasion even so more because the match was played on the Republic Day of India – January 26. His actions didn’t go down well and left a lot of fans fuming. When it grew louder on Twitter a few others emerged who also backed the Jammu and Kashmir cricketer.

Someone then brought up and shared a video of former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly doing something similar. It was a video from the World Cup 2003 final between Australia and India. Players from both the teams were lined up for the anthems of the respective teams before the start of the match. After the Australian national anthem, it was time for ‘Jana Gana Mana’ to be played at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.

While the Indian team stood in attention and sung it along in the moment that meant a lot to those donning the jersey standing on the ground and those watching on Television as well since this was only the second time the Men in Blue made it to the final of the World Cup after their success in 1983. As the camera moved towards the skipper Ganguly was singing the anthem with the gum in his mouth.

Also check out- Parvez Rasool lands himself into trouble after chewing a gum during the National Anthem

It wasn’t the era of social media so there was no real controversy and since the team lost most critics were busy criticizing the team and didn’t really bother about this particular incident. Well to make up for it a lot of fans who are irked are making a huge deal out of it now.

Watch the video here: