In the high-octane world of cricket, where emotions run high and victories are celebrated as national triumphs, there’s an undercurrent of criticism that often targets players. Recently, cricketer Hardik Pandya found himself at the receiving end of online backlash after his underperformance in the IPL 2024 season. However, amidst the storm of criticism, renowned actor Sonu Sood has taken a stand in support of Hardik Pandya.
Sonu Sood, known for his philanthropic work and candid opinions, recently schooled trolls in a cryptic post. He addressed the online bullying faced by sportsmen, particularly cricketers, and emphasized the need for respect. In a heartfelt note dedicated to cricketers, Sonu expressed his concerns:
“We should respect our players. Players who made us proud, players who made our country proud. One day you cheer for them, next day you boo them. It’s not they, it’s us who fail. I love cricket. I love every cricketer who represents my country. Doesn’t matter which franchise he plays for. Doesn’t matter whether he’s the captain or the 15th man in a team. They are our Heroes 🇮🇳.”
Hardik Pandya, who captains the Mumbai Indians (MI), faced crowd jeering and taunting following the team’s consecutive losses in the current IPL season. His wife, Natasa Stankovic, also became a victim of online bullying. The Serbian model and actor received nasty and derogatory comments on her Instagram posts, with some holding her responsible for Hardik’s performance.
This isn’t an isolated incident. In the past, we’ve witnessed similar attacks on cricketers’ spouses, including Anushka Sharma whenever Virat Kohli faced setbacks. As fans, let’s remember that our players are human too, and their dedication to the game deserves our respect.
Sonu Sood’s call for unity and empathy resonates beyond the cricket field. It’s a reminder that behind the jerseys and helmets, there are individuals who carry the weight of a nation’s hopes and dreams. Let’s cheer them on during victories and stand by them during tough times. After all, they are our heroes, and their journey is intertwined with ours.
So, the next time you see a cricketer on the pitch, remember Sonu’s words: “It’s not they, it’s us who fail.” Let’s rise above negativity and celebrate the spirit of the game.