AUS vs IND, 2nd ODI: Shashi Tharoor mixes up Xaviers, gets trolled over cricket tweet

Shashi Tharoor sparked social media buzz after mistakenly mixing up Australian cricketers Xavier Doherty and Xavier Bartlett during a critique of India’s team selection in the 2nd ODI.

Image | Hindustan Times

Congress MP and well-known politician Shashi Tharoor found himself at the center of social media chatter after a mix-up between Australian cricketers Xavier Doherty and Xavier Bartlett led to a misplaced cricket analysis post during the Australia vs India, 2nd ODI at Adelaide Oval. Tharoor, known for his articulate opinions and fervent online presence, mistakenly cited the wrong "Xavier" while lamenting India’s team selection in the ongoing India-Australia series in Adelaide.

Sashi Tharoor mixes up two Xaviers

In his post on X, Tharoor criticized the selectors for omitting India’s premier wrist spinner, Kuldeep Yadav, calling it “idiotic” and “absurd” to leave such a proven match-winner out of the Playing XI.

He wrote that Xavier Bartlett, the young Australian pacer, had exposed the folly of India’s decision within just four balls. However, cricket fans were quick to point out that Bartlett is a pacer, not the left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty, who last played international cricket nearly a decade ago.

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The confusion set off a wave of good-natured trolling online. Fans flooded Tharoor’s mentions with memes, jokes, and cricket trivia lessons, turning the mix-up into a trending topic across Indian cricket circles. Some teased that

Tharoor’s vocabulary may be formidable, but his cricket memory could use a refresher. Others appreciated his passion, noting that even a seasoned politician can get swept up in the chaos of cricket discourse.

To his credit, Tharoor seemed to take the ribbing in stride. Known for engaging with followers in witty exchanges, he reportedly laughed off the incident and clarified that his main point, the questionable omission of Kuldeep Yadav, still stood.

Indeed, many experts have shared similar concerns, pointing out that Kuldeep’s recent form and wicket-taking ability make him an invaluable asset, particularly on Australian wickets where variation is key.

Fans trolled him for being a cricket expert

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