Rizwan’s Tasbeeh to Rohit’s Mahamrityunjay: Religious References in IND vs PAK Commentary Stirs Social Media Debate.
Photo : Twitter
India vs Pakistan is a high-voltage clash that always brings out a lot of action on and off the field. In the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, this action also spilt over to the commentary box when commentators Sarfaraz Ahmed, Aakash Chopra, and Suresh Raina had an exchange that sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans calling it a "Mahadev vs Allah" moment.
It all happened when Pakistan was batting first. Cameras panned towards Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan, who was spotted in the dressing room holding a 'Tasbeeh' (prayer beads)—a religious amulet.
The sight of Rizwan led to a former Pakistan captain, Sarfaraz Ahmed, saying, “Rizwan Allah ka naam jaap kar rahe hain.”
Responding to Ahmed’s comment, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra playfully added: “Rohit Mahamrityunjay kar rahe hain.”
Soon after, Suresh Raina joined in, making a reference to Virat Kohli's faith, saying: “Virat Mahadev Bhakt hain and Abhi Mahashivratri bhi hain.”
While the remarks were seemingly made in jest, they sparked a wave of reactions, with many fans taking to social media to express their displeasure. Some felt the religious references were unnecessary in a cricket broadcast, while others found humour in the exchange.
One internet user summed up the entire situation in a viral post, writing: “Sarfaraz: Rizwan Allah ka jaap kar rahe hain. Aakash Chopra: Rohit Mahamrityunjay kar rahe hain. Raina: Virat Mahadev Bhakt hain and Abhi Mahashivratri bhi hain. We got Mahadev vs Allah in commentary.”
India vs Pakistan
India beat Pakistan by six wickets in a one-sided Champions Trophy on Sunday to all but seal a spot in the semifinals. India dismissed Pakistan for 241 after Saud Shakeel struck 62 off 76 balls while skipper Mohammad Rizwan made a laborious 46 from 77 deliveries.
Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) picked up three wickets and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (2/31) removed Babar Azam (23) and Shakeel.
India completed the chase in 42.3 overs thanks to Virat Kohli (100 not out off 111), Shubman Gill (46 off 52) and Shreyas Iyer (56 off 67).
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