Shane Warne caught under criticism after referring Cheteshwar Pujara as 'Steve' on-air

Shane Warne has recently been caught up under too much criticism after bringing a racial aspect into the light, which referred to one of India’s star batsmen. India was doing well enough on the first day till Ajinkya Rahane’s poor call tilted the game in Australia’s favour. Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Rahane were stitching a great partnership, but the vice-captain misjudged a single, and it forced Kohli to leave the field on 74 runs.

However, amid all this, something from Shane Warne’s mouth created too much controversy in the cricket world. During his commentary stint, he referred to Cheteshwar Pujara with his particular nickname, which was given to him by Yorkshire teammates. He referred to Pujara as ‘Steve.’

Pujara was called Steve by his former Yorkshire team members as they found it too difficult to pronounce his first name. Pujara has already confirmed that he would like to be called by his name any day but seeing his teammate’s struggle, he had to settle with Steve back then. It has come at the time when Yorkshire cricket club is already dealing with accusations of institutionalized racism. Former English U-19 skipper Azeem Rafiq also stated that he was racially targeted while he was plying his trade with them.

When Warne referred to Pujara as Steve on-air, netizens didn’t find it cool and accused Warne of being unprofessional. The racial outrage started when Rafiq went up to file a legal complaint against the Yorkshire club and accused them of clear-cut discrimination and harassment on racial grounds. The 29-year-old man was once the youngest skipper in the country and spoke about all this action in August this year.

Twitter slammed Shane Warne of being unprofessional

#AusvInd

Former Australia leg-spinner Shane Warne was on air and referred to the nickname given to Pujara during his county cricket stint. The nickname is at the centre of an ongoing racism controversy in English cricket.https://t.co/N8ptOo5gmm

— The Field (@thefield_in) December 17, 2020

@NewsCorpCricket shame on you…Shane warne cannot call pujara steve. #racism #racist should we call warne vendaka.

— sivanand a (@361stdegree) December 18, 2020

Racist commentary by Aussies:

In 2018-2019 series: "He got the triple ton against the Railways canteen staff," O'Keefe & while Mark Waugh spoke about how a domestic average of 50 in India will be 40 in Australia.

Today Shane Warne called Cheteshwar Pujara by 'Steve'.

— Farrago Abdullah (@abdullah_0mar) December 17, 2020

Shane Warne calling Cheteshwar Pujara by the name Steve. I’m offended. Craig sounds more similar.

— Thoughts (@unlimitedbanter) December 18, 2020

If you’re not sure of someone’s name, ask them and learn the pronunciation the best you can. It’s professional and shows respect.
I don’t remember an Indian commentator ever call Labuschagne as ‘Raj’. What gives Warne the free pass to call Pujara ‘Steve’? #NewGenRacism#AUSvIND

— Naimah Raza (@NaimahR) December 18, 2020

Shane Warne apparently called Cheteshwar Pujara " Steve ". His first name isn't difficult to pronounce

— Kris 😎⚽️⚾️🏈🏏🏀🏆 (@bajankris) December 17, 2020

Apparently Subramanian Warne said something about Cheteshwar Pujara. What is this da, Subbu?#ShaneWarne

— Madhavan Narayanan (@madversity) December 17, 2020

A few clarifications about this saga since the mentions are going nuts:
1) Pujara was not 'okay' with Steve. He clearly said: 'Personally I would prefer Chetshwar' (https://t.co/YNme4bhULg)

— Siddhartha Vaidyanathan (@sidvee) December 17, 2020

"Warne referred to Pujara as “Steve” on the Fox Cricket broadcast numerous times during India’s first innings on Thursday."

— Dom (@s0267188) December 18, 2020

Feels derogatory too. If you can't pronounce his full name, learn how to. He's an international cricketer and demands your respect. https://t.co/9RqrOuo3Ml

— Gaurav Nandan Tripathi (@GauravNandanTr1) December 17, 2020

Yorkshsire under racial accusations

“Those who have, like me, been on the receiving end of racism and discrimination will understand how hard it is to open up about the pain and suffering it causes. I feel a sense of relief to finally speak about it and that my healing process can now begin.

“I hope this claim will give me the closure I need and that the recommendations from the tribunal will help bring about change for our future generations in cricket,” he said back then.