The gentlemen’s game has long been celebrated for its sportsmanship, yet for the former Indian leg spinner Laxman SivaramakrishnanThe reality behind the border ropes was often far from great. Recently, the 60-year-old veteran took to social media and interviews to detail the tragic history of alleged racism and colorism, including his journey from a 14-year-old talent to a seasoned commentator. His revelations have sparked a necessary, albeit uncomfortable, conversation about deep-seated biases within the cricket ecosystem.
Sivaramakrishnan’s ordeal began long before his incarnation India Cap. At the age of just 14, while working as a net bowler in Chepauk, he was mistaken for ground staff by a senior India batsman, reportedly due to his dark complexion. The senior player demanded that the teenager clean his shoes. Although the young spinner stood his ground, the incident provides a horrifying glimpse into the systemic bias he has faced for decades.
Laxman Sivaramakrishnan opens up on alleged racism he experienced in Indian cricket
Discrimination was not limited to separate visits with senior citizens; This permeated his domestic career and international appearances. Sivaramakrishnan recalled how his own Tamil Nadu teammates would often call him ‘Karupa’ – a Tamil term used to mock his dark skin. This internal friction was mirrored by external hostility. During matches in North Indian cities like Mumbai, Chandigarh and Jalandhar, the spinner often faced abusive chants from the stands. The crowd taunted him saying “Kalia, what will happen to you?,” a racially charged statement that reduced his athletic abilities to a shade of his skin.
Perhaps the most poignant moment of his career occurred on his 17th birthday. What should have been a celebration turned into a source of lasting trauma when a senior cricketer made fun of the dark chocolate cake brought for the occasion. The player reportedly joked that the cake was the ‘right colour’ for a ‘dark boy’.
“Hey Sunny, you ordered the right color cake. Such a dark chocolate cake for a dark boy,” Sivaramakrishnan told The Indian Express.
The comment was so hurtful that Sivaramakrishnan began to cry and refused to cut the cake, eventually finding solace when Sunil Gavaskar Came forward to console him.
Mental health and lasting impact on sport
Sivaramakrishnan, who took 41 international wickets in 9 Tests and 16 ODIs, was considered one of the most talented leg spinners of his generation. However, the mental scars of these events remained long after his playing days were over. Even during his 33-year tenure as a commentator, a role from which he recently retired, the veteran suggested that colorism continued to play a role in how he was viewed and treated.
Statistics relating to the representation and treatment of players from southern India have often been a point of quiet debate, but Sivaramakrishnan’s outspoken stance brings the issue into the spotlight. Her story highlights a broader cultural challenge within India, where colorism (prejudice based on skin color) is often dismissed as a joke, despite its devastating psychological effects. Coming forward, the former spinner is not just airing personal grievances; he is challenging bcci And the global cricket community must address the toxic culture that allows such discrimination to persist in the locker room and the stands alike.
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