Social media split over fans displaying flag of Modi's BJP at India vs Australia WTC final at Oval

The first day of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and Australia at The Oval on Wednesday (7) remained witness to an off-field controversy and it did not take long for social media to explode over it.

It all happened when Indian journalist Rajdeep Sardesai shared an image of some fans holding the flag of the country's ruling party -- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by prime minister Narendra Modi -- in the gallery. Desai, who is in the UK to watch the game to decide the new champions in Test, said. "Spotted at the Oval: just a reminder, this is India Vs Australia folks!"

Netizens soon came up with reactions and it was a mixed scenario. While some was proud about it, others were less so. Some even accused Sardesai of ignoring flags and posters of opposition Indian National Congress at the same venue and there were also people who said the veteran journalist posted an old picture from some other ground.

Among those who did not like the presence of the BJP's flag at The Oval, one said it was not a lucky sign.

Here are some reactions on social media to the displaying of the BJP's saffron flag at the venue during the first day of the WTC final:

India were at the receiving end on both first and second day of the match as their top order collapsed fast while replying to Australia's big first innings total of 469. India were 151 for 5 at stumps on Day 2 and would have to stage a massive fightback to remain relevant in the WTC final 2023.