Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Reflects on Racism and Challenges in Cricket
A Troubling Past
Former Indian cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has chosen to keep his home devoid of any cricket memorabilia, including photographs, trophies, or bats. This decision stems from his desire to distance himself from the painful memories of racism he encountered throughout his cricketing journey. In a candid interview, he expressed, “There is nothing at home connected to cricket. I want to keep away from my playing days. I have given everything to somebody or the other.”
At just 14, while serving as a net bowler for the Indian team, Sivaramakrishnan faced a humiliating incident when a senior player mistook him for ground staff and ordered him to clean his shoes. “I just looked at him and said, ‘that’s none of my business, you just do what you need to do,’” he recalled, highlighting his confusion over the racism he experienced.
Enduring Mockery
Sivaramakrishnan shared that derogatory remarks about his skin color were common among his peers, with teammates in Tamil Nadu referring to him as 'karupa' (dark-skinned). During matches in North India, he often faced chants like, “Kalia, tera kya hoga.” He also recounted a painful experience where he was denied entry into a hotel during a training camp, as the gatekeeper did not believe he was an Indian cricketer.
Support from Sunil Gavaskar
During a tour to Pakistan, Sivaramakrishnan was subjected to taunts from the crowd, prompting captain Sunil Gavaskar to defend him against an umpire's mockery. Gavaskar firmly stated, “You don’t talk to any of my bowlers. If you have an issue, you come and talk to me.” Despite this support, Sivaramakrishnan faced ridicule from his teammates, which deeply affected him. He recalled a birthday celebration where a teammate made a hurtful comment about the color of the cake, leading him to tears.
Career Highlights
Despite the challenges, Sivaramakrishnan had a remarkable career peak in January 1985, taking 12 wickets against England in just his second Test match. His performance led to significant recognition, including a hoarding by Air India in Madras. He played a crucial role in India's victory in the World Championship of Cricket final against Pakistan, taking three wickets.
Facing Unjust Accusations
As he matured, Sivaramakrishnan's bowling style was criticized, leading to unfounded rumors about substance abuse. He clarified, “People love to spread bad things. My tours happened between 16 and 19 years old. How would people serve me alcohol in a hotel when I am underage? I have never done drugs in my life.” Despite being seen as a player with immense potential, his international career was brief, consisting of 9 Tests and 16 ODIs, with his last appearance in the 1987 World Cup at just 21 years old.