Anushka Sharma replaces Ajinkya Rahane! Oh yes, you read it right! At least that’s what the picture shared the by the BCCI suggests. “#TeamIndia members at the High Commission of India in London,” read the caption of the snap shared by the BCCI’s official account. The image puzzled me and made me think if the “first lady” has quit acting has joined team India to replace one of these players, in this case probably Ajinkya Rahane, who is spotted at the far end of the picture. Now, many fans of Anushka Sharma would go on to label me as a ‘jealous’ and ‘useless journalist' on Twitter. But neither am I jealous or want attention like many of Anushka Sharma lovers would like to believe. I am upset because the spot meant for the vice-captain of the Indian cricket team, Ajinkya Rahane, has been given to Anushka Sharma, someone whose only credential is that she’s the Indian captain’s wife.

Ideally, the vice-captain of the team stands beside the skipper. But in this photo it is actually difficult to even spot Rahane. Why on earth would the “first lady” even be a part of a snap which only has the players from the Team India, support staff members and the members of the high commission? The group picture is reminiscent of Virsuhka’s wedding reception, with the two standing in the centre and the attendees hovering around for a photograph. The right thing to do here was to step aside and not be a part of the picture of Team India. But yes! How else would you get publicity for your upcoming film Sui Dhaaga?

It does not need rocket science to understand that the media houses would easily pick up the snap and would how talk about Anushka’s upcoming film. Now, many Anushka fans would argue, “Her film does not need publicity.” Guys, please! Had it been so, wouldn’t she spend more time being part of the promotional activities for the movies instead of photobombing the Indian team?

Even MS Dhoni has attended the dinner with the Indian Commission on multiple occasion when he led India. Never did I remember Sakshi Dhoni being a part of the picture with the Indian team or even with CSK! But that’s how we Indians are at times. We do not give a damn about protocols and even this picture will be brushed under the carpet with our chalta hai attitude!

(The opinions expressed in the above article are of the author and do not reflect the stand or position of LatestLY.)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 08, 2018 02:23 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).