VVS Laxman, Harbhajan Singh back Gautam Gambhir following pamphlet row in Delhi Lok Sabha Elections

New Delhi, May 10: India's batting legend and former cricketer VVS Laxman and senior spinner Harbhajan Singh came out in support of former India teammate Gautam Gambhir after the cricketer-turned-politician was accused of circulating "obscene" remarks about Aam Aadmi Party's candidate, Atishi.

Gambhir - who announced his retirement from all formats of cricket earlier this year - is contesting Lok Sabha Election on BJP ticket from East-Delhi constituency. On Thursday, Atishi accused Gambhir of distributing pamphlets containing obscene remarks about her, but his former teammates stood firmly behind Gambhir.

"Shocked to hear about yesterday's developments. Having known @GautamGambhir for nearly 2 decades, I can vouch for his integrity, character and the respect he has for women," Laxman tweeted on the micro-blogging site.

Shocked to hear about yesterday's developments. Having known @GautamGambhir for nearly 2 decades, I can vouch for his integrity, character and the respect he has for women.

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 10, 2019

Before the stylish Hyderabadi voiced his support for the 37-year-old cricketer, ace off-spinner Harbhajan also backed Gambhir.

"I am shocked to note yesterday's events involving @GautamGambhir. I know him well and he can never talk ill for any woman. Whether he wins or loses is another matter but the man is above all this," Harbhajan, who has over 400 Test wickets, wrote on his Twitter handle.

I am shocked to note yesterday’s events involving @GautamGambhir. I know him well and he can never talk ill for any woman. Whether he wins or loses is another matter but the man is above all this

— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) May 10, 2019

Gambhir's fans and cricket experts on Twitter too came in support of the former Delhi cricketer.

For someone who wore India colours on his chest, who starred in 2 WC victories for the country, this has to be the worst allegation ever. Having known @GautamGambhir for close to 20 years now, his upbringing will never let him even think of all this.

— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) May 10, 2019

On Thursday, Atishi broke down while reading out the contents of the pamphlet at a press conference. Stating that he will quit politics if proven guilty, Gambhir has denied all the charges and has sent defamation notices to Atishi, AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia.

My Challenge no.2 @ArvindKejriwal @AtishiAAP
I declare that if its proven that I did it, I will withdraw my candidature right now. If not, will u quit politics?

— Chowkidar Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 9, 2019

Challenger Number 3 to @ArvindKejriwal and @aap. If he can prove that I have anything to do with this pamphlet filth, then I will hang myself in public. Otherwise @ArvindKejriwal should quit politics. Accepted?

— Chowkidar Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) May 10, 2019

The legal notice demands immediate withdrawal of each statement made against Gambhir.