JONTY ON PLAYERS BEING BOOED IN THE IPL: ACCEPT IT!
The ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen a rather unusual controversy — fans booing players and even abusing them. Case in point — Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya. Former South African cricketer and Lucknow Super Giants’ fielding coach Jonty Rhodes feels it’s all because of the players being overexposed, thanks to social media. “I can’t comment on what Hardik is going through, but it’s difficult. As players, we never went through this experience. That’s what the IPL has done. Because of social media, fans feel they have a direct connect with the players. When they (the players) post a reel, it reaches millions of people and the fans feel they have a bond with the players. So, they’ll surely voice their opinion and not everything will be to your liking. Players need to adapt to it and accept,” says the 54-year-old.
He adds that for many players, social media is a source of revenue via brand endorsements, but it also “opens them to attack along with support and love”: “In my time, it was all about newspapers. [We were told] if you can’t handle bad news, then don’t read the good news. I have the same advise for the players today. Now, things are even more intimidating, as social media is something everybody is on the whole day.”
Calling social media “a necessary evil”, he adds, “If it creates an environment where they (the players) are struggling, then it’s a part and parcel of the game. Mental strength is what you need to survive and play to your ability. There are many players who play under real stress.”