Rohit Sharma draws flak after signing autograph for rape-accused Sandeep Lamichhane

Fans on social media roasted India captain Rohit Sharma after giving an autograph to rape-accused Nepal cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane. The India cricketer signed the autograph following their Group A clash against Nepal in the Asia Cup 2023 on September 4 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. 

For the unreversed, Lamichhane has been accused of raping a minor girl in 2022. The 23-year-old was taken into police custody in October 2022 and was then released on January 13, 2023. Following the acquisition, he was suspended by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) but the suspension was lifted after his release. Lamichhane is currently out on bail after getting a clearance from the Apex Court to travel abroad in March 2023. 

Several photos surfaced on X, showing Rohit signing on Lamichhane’s jersey. The spinner and India cricketer was also seen smiling while posing for the photo. Earlier this year, Scotland players refused to greet Lamichhane after an ODI in Kirtipur due to his rape allegations.

India beat Nepal by ten wickets in Group A clash

Speaking of the game, India skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and invited Nepal to bat first. Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj claimed a three-wicket haul as India bundled out Nepal for 230 runs in 48.2 overs. Opener Aasif Sheikh was crucial for Nepal, scoring a half-century.

The wicketkeeper-batter scored 58 off 97 deliveries with the help of eight boundaries. Sompal Kami also provided a significant contribution for the side, smashing a 56-ball 48 runs while batting down the order. For India, Mohammed Shami, Hardik Pandya, and Shardul Thakur claimed one wicket each.

Meanwhile, rain cut India's target to 145 in 23 overs. Openers Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill spearheaded India’s innings, with an unbroken 147-run opening partnership to help the side advance to the Super Four round. Rohit scored an unbeaten 74 off 59 deliveries, including six fours and five sixes. Gill, on the other hand, played a crucial 62-ball 67* runs.