Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues are the best of friends. Their bond is not just restricted to the cricket field but also much beyond it. Recently, when Mandhana's marriage was called-off, Rodrigues left her Big Bash League season in Australia mid-way to be with her friend, showing an exceptional gesture of friendship.
Given their depth of friendship, it isn't common to see them spend a lot of time together. Even as India are in the midst of a T20I series against Sri Lanka at home, the two senior stars took time out to celebrate Christmas, the snaps of which were floating around on social media. One user on social media put up a silly post against Mandhana by putting a poor allegation.
"When will Hindus learn? 🤦♂️ Smriti Mandhana celebrates Christmas with Jemimah Rodrigues," wrote Hardik on the social media platform X on Christmas Day.
"But Jemimah didn’t join Smriti at Sri Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple when the WC winning team visited to seek blessings on Sunday, December 21. Secularism is a one-way street 🤡"
Clearly, it was a rage-bait post and if it wasn't, the post was possibly made by someone who prefers to create silly communal fights on social media, thereby ensuring a massive reach from these posts. Remember, there are plenty of such people who earn money due to social media engagement, regardless of how they create that reach.
Hardik's post did get a massive reaction, although it was majorly about trolls against him. A majority of users felt that he was making a mountain out of a molehill while some accused him of deliberately posting hate-mongering posts on social media.
"Bakchodi, where is the proof that Jemimah refused the invitation?" wrote a user named Arko.
"My Kids have been setting up Christmas tree for many years now. We are quite happy about it. Let’s not paint religious colour in every act of us and others. Let it go free as long you make yourself and your family/friends happy." wrote another person named Sabrish.
"I know you want money from X. But there are other ways to earn rather than hate mongering tweets. Be nice to people." advised a person with an anonymous handle name.
There were plenty more reactions and comments from people who were clearly unimpressed with this post from Hardik.
"Hardik- The only question you have to Ask yourself is - Is the First pix from a Church or a Vatican.
It is not- Jemimah has celebrated Diwali with her , just as the Team did too.
Do not create Fake Divisions. Practise your Faith - become a good Human being." wrote a user on the post.
"Shameless Creature . Jemima Rodrigues Always wished Diwali . Grow up Kid . Be nice to society . Stop spreading Fake news . Stop hate . Love each other."