xtratime Logo

Debasis Sen, Melbourne: Former Aussie cricketer turned commentator Kerry O’Keefe is yet again in the middle of controversy. Just a couple of days back during the Boxing Day test, O’Keefe infuriated the Indians fans with his “canteen staff” jibe against Mayank Agarwal. On Saturday, the former spinner was caught on air saying derogatory remarks on the names of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja. During his stint on the fourth day, O'Keefe was heard as saying on Fox Sports, "Why would you name your kid Cheteshwar Jadeja?" while having difficulties pronouncing the names of the two Indian cricketers. Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun on being asked about the incident said, “Yes, it does hurt you but when people those remarks but there is nothing you can do about it. It’s beyond your control. If you can channelize that hurt towards doing better on the field that answers all the questions.” It is learnt that the Indian team management is yet to lodge an official complaint with the host broadcasters. The former Aussie cricketer had previously suggested that Indian opener Mayank Agarwal’s Ranji trophy triple ton had come against Railways bowlers who he compared with “canteen staff”. “Apparently he got the triple against the Railways canteen staff,” O’Keeffe was heard saying on air during commentary responsibilities with Fox Cricket. Although O'Keefe had apologised for his remark on Mayank's triple hundred, to be heard making fun of Indian names probably hints that the 69-year-old didn't really learn from his mistake. Later, India head coach, Ravi Shastri, had also responded to the former cricketer's attempt to ridicule Agarwal's Ranji Trophy knock. "He [Mayank] has got a message for Kerry… ‘when you do open your canteen, he wants to come and smell the coffee. He wants to compare it to the ones back in India…coffee here’s better or the ones back home’," Shastri had said after the conclusion of second day's play.