The postponement of Indian cricket vice-captain Smriti Mandhana's wedding to music composer Palash Muchhal has sparked intense speculation across social media platforms, with family members now stepping forward to defend Palash against unverified cheating allegations.
Family Breaks Silence on Controversy
Palash Muchhal's cousin, Neeti Tak, has made a public appeal on Instagram Stories, urging people not to judge Palash based on unsubstantiated claims circulating online. "Palash is going through a critical condition today, you all should not judge Palash as wrong without knowing the truth," Neeti wrote in her emotional defense.
She specifically referenced how modern technology has fueled the rumor mill, stating "Technology today has come much ahead of humans; that is why people should not judge Palash in the face of rumours... pray for him." Her intervention comes as viral screenshots allegedly showing private chats between Palash and a woman named Mary D'Costa continue to circulate on Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit.
Health Concerns Behind Wedding Postponement
According to family statements, the actual reason for delaying the wedding revolves around health issues affecting Smriti Mandhana's father, Shrinivas Mandhana. Palash's mother, Amita Muchhal, revealed to Hindustan Times that her son was deeply attached to Smriti's father and their bond was exceptionally strong.
"When he (Smriti's father) fell ill, Palash decided, even before Smriti did, that the wedding should not take place until he fully recovers," Amita Muchhal explained. She described how Palash became extremely emotional when Senior Mandhana's health suddenly worsened, crying extensively over the situation.
Health Scare and Hospitalization
The emotional turmoil took a physical toll on Palash Muchhal, leading to his hospitalization. According to his mother, Palash was taken to the hospital for four hours where medical professionals administered an IV drip and conducted an ECG along with other tests.
While his medical reports returned normal results, doctors noted his stress levels remained dangerously high. NDTV reported that Palash was eventually discharged after a three-day hospital stay, having been initially admitted to a hospital in Sangli, Maharashtra before being transferred to SRV Hospital in Goregaon, Mumbai.
Social Media Remains Skeptical
Despite the family's explanations, social media users continue to express doubt and skepticism about the situation. Many platforms are flooded with comments questioning the timing and authenticity of the statements from Palash's family.
One Reddit user commented, "Smriti is too classy to obviously talk about but how cheap of Palak and her mom to put out statements like he is much closer to her dad!" while another wrote, "It's all PR manipulation. Unfortunately for them, the truth came out."
Several users have labeled Smriti as "God's favourite child" who was miraculously saved before her marriage. The absence of any formal statement from Smriti Mandhana herself has only intensified the speculation, with netizens creating their own narratives about why she has remained silent throughout the controversy.
As the situation continues to develop, the divide between official family statements and public perception grows wider, leaving many questions unanswered about the true circumstances surrounding the postponed wedding of one of India's most celebrated sportswomen.
