Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra dismiss Arjuna Ranatunga’s allegation claims
Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra have rubbished Arjuna Ranatunga’s claims as they feel the Sri Lankan should back his allegations with evidence. Earlier, Ranatunga had accused Sri Lanka of playing below par against India in the final of the 2011 World Cup and demanded an investigation into the same.
India beat Sri Lanka by six wickets in the 2011 final to win their second World Cup title in the 50-over format. However, the former Sri Lankan skipper questioned his team's performance that particular match and demanded for an inquiry into the same.
In response, Gautam Gambhir and Ashish Nehra were dismayed by Ranatunga's allegations and found them appalling. Gambhir, who was the highest scorer for India in the 2011 final with 97 runs was shocked by Ranatunga’s statement and felt that he should come out with evidence to back his claim.
“I am surprised by Arjuna Ranatunga’s allegations. These are serious comments by a very respectable voice in international cricket. I think to clear the air, he should back his claims with proofs,” Gambhir told PTI.
Ashish Nehra, on the other hand, also seconded Gambhir's opinion saying, “I don’t wish to dignify Ranatunga’s comments by airing my views on the issue. There is no end to these kinds of statements. If I question Sri Lanka’s 1996 World Cup victory, is it in good taste? So let’s not get into it. But yes, it is disappointing when someone of his stature says something like this.”
Nehra was a key member of the 2011 World Cup winning team as he took 2/33 from his ten overs against Pakistan in the semi final, which helped India register a 29-run win over their arch-rivals.
Earlier, in a video posted on his Facebook page, the Sri Lankan said, “I was also in India giving commentaries at the time. When we lost, I was distressed and I had a doubt. “We must investigate what happened to Sri Lanka at the 2011 World Cup final. I cannot reveal everything now, but one day I will. There must be an inquiry.”