New Delhi: Slamming racial abuse on social media, Team India opener Abhinav Mukund revealed that he himself has been at the receiving end of insults and ridicule for his dark complexion.
The Tamil Nadu batsman, who is presently touring Sri Lanka for a three-Test series, showed his anguish and disappointment after messages were sent to him targeting his skin tone.
Reacting after being abused, Mukund posted a picture on Twitter which said,”I have been playing cricket since the age of 10 and I have gradually climbed up the ladder to where I am right now. It is an honour to get the chance to represent the country at the highest level. I am writing today not to garner sympathy or attention but?with the hope to change the mindset of people on an issue I feel strongly about.”
“I have been travelling a lot within and outside our country since I was 15. Ever since I was young, people’s obsession with my skin colour has always been a mystery to me. Any one who follows cricket would understand the obvious. I have played and trained day in and day out in the sun and not once have I regretted the fact that I have tanned or lost a couple of shades,” asserted he.
“It is simply because I love what I do and I have been able to achieve certain things only because I have spent hours outdoor. I come from Chennai probably one of the hottest places in our country and I have gladly spent most of my adult life in the cricket ground,” Mukund added.
The batter further advised people to stay focussed on their goal irrespective of their skin color.
Ace spinner Ravichandran Ashwin also supported his teammate saying, “read and learn, don’t make it a headline cos its someone’s emotion.” Also, Hardik Pandya and Manoj Tiwary responded Mukund in their tweets.
Mukund also clarified that his statement has nothing to do with Indian team. (UNI)
