Did Gulbadin Naib Admit to 'Faking' Hamstring Injury? Afghan Bowler's Reply to Ravi Ashwin Goes Viral

Gulbadin Naib responded to the buzz surrounding his ‘alleged’ hamstring injury during Afghanistan’s nail-biting match against Bangladesh at the Arnos Vale Ground in St. Vincent on Tuesday, June 25. Naib took to ‘X’ to address India’s veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin’s humorous tweet on the matter. Ashwin had chimed in on the much-debated incident, playfully suggesting a ‘red card’ for Naib, referencing the soccer penalty that signals a player’s ejection from the game.

In response, Naib retweeted Ashwin’s comment with a witty Bollywood twist. He wrote, “Kabi khushi kabi gham main huta hai (It happens in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham) Hamstring.”

For those who missed the drama, Naib’s injury became a hot topic during Afghanistan’s thrilling 8-run victory over Bangladesh. The all-rounder was under scrutiny for his ‘alleged’ hamstring injury while fielding in the slips, right before the rain break when Bangladesh was precariously poised at 81 for 7, just 2 runs shy of the DLS score.

As the drizzle began, Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott signalled the players to slow down. Cameras soon caught Naib collapsing dramatically, clutching his hamstring, much to the apparent dismay of skipper Rashid Khan, who repeatedly questioned what had happened.

Commentator Simon Doull didn’t hold back during the live broadcast, criticising the move: “The coach sends a message out to say slow it down, slow it down, and the first slip just dives on the ground needlessly. That is unacceptable.”

Also Read: ‘Oscar-worthy Acting’: Gulbadin Naib’s Dramatic Fall After Afghanistan Coach’s ‘Rain Call’ Sparks Memes

Rashid Khan later defended Naib, downplaying the controversy: “Well, I think he had some cramp. I don’t know what happened to him. I don’t know what’s going on, on social media. But, that doesn’t matter. It’s just an on-field injury. We didn’t lose any overs, the rain came, and we just went off (the field). It’s not something that made any massive difference in the game.”

Interestingly, Naib seemed in top form just a few overs later, fully participating in Afghanistan’s celebrations after their historic win. He even danced to DJ Bravo’s “Champion” after the win. Now what type of hamstring injury is that?