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'Everybody Was Abusing Me..'- KL Rahul Explains Adverse Effects Of Online Trolling

image-lqoql531KL Rahul scored a fantastic century in Centurion Test [AP]

In this age of the internet, social media trolling has become quite normal and a common phenomenon faced by sporting celebrities. With India being a cricket-loving nation, the trolling that players receive on one flop show or even loss is absurd, as it has nothing to do with the sport and is based on rumours and personal life.  

India's KL Rahul has been on the receiving end of such social media attacks for a while now, after being under a lean patch last year, which changed after his return to form since Asia Cup 2023.

Rahul, who starred for India in the first innings of the ongoing first Test against South Africa, opened up on the effects of trolling.

Speaking after scoring a spectacular 101 on Day 2, Rahul explained how online slandering took a toll on him and how social media changes after solid performances.  

Here's what Rahul said

"It is difficult obviously (On trolling). As a person, as a cricketer, as an individual, you are challenged each day, each moment. Social media is a pressure. Today I have scored a hundred so people are singing praises. Three-four months ago, everybody was abusing me. The sooner you realise that staying away from it is good for your game and your mindset the better it is," Rahul said as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

"It does affect each person. And anyone who says that doesn't affect them at all, I'm sure is lying. But each person has to find their way. And for me, when I was injured and was away from the game for such a long time, I worked on myself. I tried to go back to the person that I am, and worked on how I don't change myself by getting affected by these things," he added.

Interestingly, this was Rahul's second Test hundred at Centurion, besides being his eighth red-ball ton for India since. Heading into Day 3, South Africa have gained 11-run lead over India, with Dean Elgar and Marco Jansen batting in the middle on 140* and 3*, respectively.