Cricketers need to realise they are role models’: Ex- Cricketers

Bengaluru: The game of cricket unites India in a way that nothing else does. With over millions looking up to you and idolising you, a lot of responsibility comes with the fame.Former cricketers Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid and Krishnamachari Srikkanth, who apart from being role models to their fans have to be role models at home as well.

One of India’s greatest cricketer, Dravid believes that it is a huge honour to be a role model both at home as well as to the nation.But cricket, which was considered a gentlemen’s game earlier has seen a lot of aggression on-field.

Dravid, known as the wall of Indian cricket during his playing time said, “As a cricketer I am a role model for my son apart from my fans. Though my son hasn’t seen me play that long and wants to be like Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli. So it is very important for cricketers to set the example of fair play and sportsmanship by displaying the right values at all times like passion for winning, doing the right thing and playing with integrity at all times.“For me my inspiration was my father, who introduced me to the game and his love for the game inspired me to play.”

Former Indian captain Kumble, who has a daughter and a son, believes with the increase in the format of the game and the pressure, cricketers are more aggressive on the field these days. “As a dad, one thing I have realised more so ever post my active cricket life is kids do look up to cricketers as role models and enact their on-field behavior,” said Kumble during an interaction.

“Our young cricketers these days are exposed to new formats of the game which test their physical as well as mental strength. The demanding nature of the game puts tremendous pressure on the players and the team. They need to know as cricketers they are role models to the nation’s youth and need to embody the right values. You need some aggression when you want to get someone out but it should still be kept in mind that the youngsters are watching you.”

Srikkanth said: “I believe actions speak louder than words. Even before my son Anirudha started playing domestic cricket, I have encouraged him to be a true sportsman and play a clean game.”