Kolkata: Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has raised serious concerns over the growing influence of fan armies and “superhero culture” in Indian cricket, warning that the sport is increasingly being overshadowed by personality-driven narratives and public relations machinery.
Speaking at the Revsportz Conclave in Kolkata, Ashwin described the trend as a “disease” affecting the game, where opinions circulating on social media often appear to be amplified versions of conversations already happening behind closed doors.
‘A troubling pattern in modern cricket’
Ashwin pointed out that many views expressed online by fan groups are not entirely organic. According to him, these narratives often mirror discussions he has personally heard in cricketing circles, raising questions about how such opinions gain traction.
“There’s something of a disease going around at this point. A lot of these opinions that show up on social media through fan armies—I’ve heard them before, first-hand,” Ashwin said.
He added that while he does not directly accuse players of planting such narratives, the pattern is concerning. He hinted at the possibility of organised efforts involving business interests and PR strategies shaping public discourse.
“Today, every player is an entrepreneur, and pushing opinions outside can increase brand value or improve PR. I’m all for that. But speaking ill of another cricketer is something I would never do,” he said.
Criticism of ‘superhero culture’
Ashwin strongly criticised what he termed the “superhero culture” in Indian cricket, where players are often elevated beyond the sport itself. He argued that this shift has led to excessive focus on individuals rather than the game.
“Where did all this begin? We started creating narratives around players. We started painting a superhero culture, a cinematic culture. Who even talks about cricket now?” he questioned.
The off-spinner stressed that discussions should centre around the technical and tactical aspects of the game rather than personal comparisons or fan-driven agendas.
Debate over player-centric narratives
Citing an example, Ashwin referred to the reaction following his analysis of Shubman Gill’s dismissal during a match against New Zealand earlier this year.
He explained that his intention was purely analytical—focusing on the “what” and “why” behind the dismissal. However, the conversation quickly turned into comparisons and criticism of individuals.
“For me, it is always about the ‘what’ and the ‘why,’ never the ‘whom.’ But immediately it became about comparison—why only Shubman and not someone else?” he said.
Ashwin lamented that such reactions reflect how the sport’s essence is being diluted, with excessive attention on personalities rather than performance.
Call to return focus to the game
The veteran cricketer emphasised the need to bring the spotlight back to cricket itself. He warned that the increasing dominance of fan culture and brand-building could harm the integrity of the sport if left unchecked.
Ashwin, who retired from international cricket after the 2024 Boxing Day Test, has remained an active voice in cricketing discussions, often sharing insights and analysis on the game.
Wider concern over star culture
Ashwin’s remarks echo concerns raised by others in the Indian cricket fraternity. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has previously spoken about the need to move away from star culture and focus on building a strong team environment.
Similarly, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the growing emphasis on individual stardom, warning that it could negatively impact the future of Indian cricket.
Gavaskar has called for stricter measures from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to ensure discipline and accountability within the team.
Team-first approach gaining importance
Following India’s recent international campaigns, Gambhir reiterated that his priority as head coach is to foster a team-first culture. He emphasised that every player should be judged solely on their contribution to the team rather than their popularity or social media following.
This shift in approach aims to reduce the influence of external narratives and reinforce the importance of collective performance.
Conclusion
R Ashwin’s candid remarks highlight a growing debate within Indian cricket about the impact of fan culture and media narratives. As the sport evolves in the digital age, balancing commercial interests with the core values of the game remains a significant challenge.
His call to refocus on cricketing fundamentals rather than personalities serves as a timely reminder of what truly defines the sport.
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