Cricket is undeniably a passion in our nation, with a massive following that treats it as more than just a sport. Fans celebrate every victory and even share light-hearted jokes, showcasing their dedication to the game. However, sometimes, these jests can cross the line.
In a recent match, during the India vs Sri Lanka game at Wankhede, there was an incident that highlighted this point. Sri Lankan batters Charith Asalanka and Angelo Matthews put up a strong resistance for 6.2 overs. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill were positioned side by side in the slip cordon at that moment, and the crowd began to engage in various chants.
When the spectators started teasing Shubman Gill with chants mentioning Sara Tendulkar, Virat Kohli intervened. He politely requested them to refrain and, with a gesture toward Shubman Gill, encouraged the crowd to cheer for him instead. The crowd readily complied and began chanting the young cricketer’s name.
While light-hearted chants and jokes about cricketers are a part of the game, it’s crucial to draw a line. Sometimes, these incidents can quickly take an inappropriate and sexist turn. When a cricketer’s performance on the field falls short, fans have been known to unfairly target and criticize their significant others, as witnessed in the past with incidents involving Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.
