Ravichandran Ashwin Criticizes ‘Superstar Culture’ in Indian Cricket: Calls for Normalization of Player Treatment

Veteran Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has made a strong statement against the prevailing superstar culture in Indian cricket, urging fans and the media to stop treating cricketers as demigods. Emphasizing the need for normalization, Ashwin asserted that players should be seen as professionals rather than larger-than-life figures, ensuring they remain grounded and relatable to common people.

Ashwin, who holds the distinction of being India’s most successful off-spinner with 765 international wickets across formats, believes that performances from elite cricketers like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma should be viewed as routine rather than extraordinary. He argued that a century from either player should not be treated as a rare spectacle, considering the high standards they have already set throughout their careers.

Ashwin’s Perspective: A Call for Balanced Recognition

1. Challenging the ‘Demigod’ Narrative in Cricket

Ashwin’s remarks shed light on the excessive hero-worship culture surrounding Indian cricketers, which he believes creates unrealistic expectations and unnecessary pressure on players.

• “We are not actors or entertainers. We are professionals doing our job,” Ashwin stated, making a distinction between cricket and the film industry.
• He pointed out that elevating players to near-mythical status leads to extreme scrutiny, undue pressure, and unrealistic demands, affecting their mental well-being and on-field performance.

His comments align with a growing discourse on mental health and work-life balance in professional sports, where several players have spoken out against the overwhelming pressure placed on them by fans, media, and social expectations.

2. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma: ‘Business as Usual’ for Cricketing Greats

Ashwin believes that Kohli and Rohit, having already achieved legendary status in the game, should not be subjected to excessive hype every time they reach a milestone.

• “If Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma scores a century, it should be treated as business as usual,” Ashwin remarked, stressing that such performances are expected given their caliber and consistency.
• He urged the cricketing fraternity to appreciate achievements but within a reasonable framework, ensuring that players remain motivated yet not burdened by excessive adulation.

Ashwin’s statement is particularly relevant in the social media era, where player performances are often met with extreme reactions—either overwhelming praise or harsh criticism.

The Impact of ‘Superstar Culture’ in Indian Cricket

Ashwin’s comments spark a broader discussion on the implications of excessive hero-worship in cricket, highlighting several key concerns:

1. Mental Pressure on Players

   • Elevated expectations create immense pressure, often leading to mental fatigue and burnout.
   • The burden of being a national icon rather than just an athlete affects players’ ability to play freely without fear of failure.

2. Unfair Scrutiny of Performances

   • Players like Sachin Tendulkar, MS Dhoni, and now Kohli and Rohit Sharma have been subjected to unrealistic expectations, where even minor dips in form lead to intense criticism.
   • Overhyping performances also diminishes team efforts, as individual brilliance overshadows collective success.

3. Pressure on Young and Emerging Players

   • Newcomers like Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad face unrealistic comparisons with past legends, adding to immense psychological pressure.
   • Young players must be allowed to develop naturally rather than being prematurely placed on a pedestal.

Reforming Cricket’s Cultural Landscape: Ashwin’s Vision

Ashwin’s comments reflect a progressive outlook that emphasizes professionalism over emotional idolization.

Key Takeaways from His Standpoint:

Cricketers should be treated as professionals, not as demigods or entertainers.
Achievements should be appreciated, but without excessive dramatization.
The media and fans must normalize exceptional performances as part of a professional’s job.
Reducing social pressure on players will help them perform with greater freedom.

As one of India’s most experienced cricketers, Ashwin’s remarks could initiate important discussions around player welfare, public perception, and the evolving dynamics of sports culture in India.