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From Trolls To Threats: How Social Media Abuse Wrecks Cricketers On And Off The Field

Sakshi Sharma

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (Source:@rohitfc58737,x.com)Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill (Source:@rohitfc58737,x.com)

Cricket is not just a sport in India- it’s a fever, a religion, and much more. However, in the age of social media, the once loyal passion of fans has taken a disturbing turn. Today, every run scored and wicket taken is instantly highlighted, and every mistake is magnified under the scanner of the internet.

In the age of digital connectivity and development, cricket is no longer just restricted to stadiums or prime-time television. It lives in real time - on Instagram stories, Twitter debates, YouTube shorts, and viral videos. To be more clear, the life of a modern cricketer has taken a significant and massive 'U-turn' after the development of social media. In recent times, the roar and cheer of the crowd have been replaced or at least matched by the pings of push notifications and online debate.

What was once a game with little interference from fans on social media is turning into a 24/7 scrutiny, with algorithms and evaluations in comment sections. As the boundaries between personal life and public persona are missing, so is the emotional cost of being a professional cricketer in this digital age.

When Fandom Turns Into Unfair Judgment

The most recent incident which needs to be talked about more than anything else showed the world the brutal side of social media on the life of a cricketer. After the heartbreaking stampede in Bengaluru that claimed 11 innocent lives, the nation mourned. But amid the grief, a disturbing trend emerged, a section of social media turned its anger toward one individual- Virat Kohli.

It is undeniable that Kohli is the heart of RCB. His presence in the franchise has drawn millions of passionate fans over the years. But to hold him, or any individual player, responsible for a logistical and administrative failure is unfair. My question is loud and clear: Is it right to blame and brutally troll one player for this incident?

Another incident related to Virat Kohli was when he opened up about experiencing depression during India’s 2014 tour of England. “I just didn’t want to get out of bed. I felt alone, even though I wasn’t,” he admitted on a podcast. 

Virat Kohli abused online (Source:@iVampHunter_,x.com)Virat Kohli abused online (Source:@iVampHunter_,x.com)

During that series, his now-wife Anushka Sharma was abused, brutally trolled, and even received massive criticism as Virat failed to perform well. Is it right to blame relatives, wives, or family members for the player's performance?

When Criticism Turns Cruel

Shubman Gill has found himself in the limelight but this time not for his form, but for something deeply personal - his voice. Online trolls have mocked him relentlessly, calling it 'feminine' and spreading countless memes. So now, it raises the question-can a player control the voice they were born with? While it may seem small to some, such mockery can have a lasting psychological impact, especially when amplified by viral content.

Trolling Off The Field And Personal Attacks

Another cricketer who is facing criticism currently is Yuzvendra Chahal. The ace spinner has been subjected to intense online scrutiny following his divorce. Social media has been flooded with memes and unverified rumours linked him with RJ Mahvash. At a time when personal healing should have been private, Chahal found himself in the public limelight.

Another point worth mentioning is that the problem is even more acute in women’s cricket. Players like Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana face not just performance-related criticism but also body shaming and sexist remarks.

Time To Reframe Social Media 

Fans have the power to comment on their favourite cricketers and even criticize them for their performance , but they should know their limits and not misuse social media. In an age where every move is live-streamed, analyzed, and memeified, it’s vital to remember that cricketers are human first. A poor performance does not warrant abuse and trolling. 

Lastly, I would like to emphasize that mental health in cricket, or any sport is a real and urgent issue that deserves empathy and not mockery. As fans, perhaps it's time to start trolling for support and criticism for compassion.