Sunil Chhetri is one of the most respected stars in Indian sports. And yes, we have spoken to him at length about the forthcoming Asian Cup and the World Cup qualifiers. But that’s for tomorrow.
Chhetri is also a leader and a legend. That was evident in two of his answers as part of the long interaction. First, he had put out a tweet (X) on the day of the World Cup final in support of Rohit, Virat and the rest of the boys. In fact, he is very close friends with Virat and by his own admission speaks to Virat fairly often.
In his tweet, he urged fans to back the team and help them get over the line. It was clear he was following the final. And that’s why I asked him the question.
Boria: When you lost against Qatar, fans understood that the opponent was a better side and the loss was perhaps par. They were supportive and appreciated the fight. But when it comes to cricket, there was tremendous toxicity. Some even went on to say that this is karma catching up with Rohit because he had taken the captaincy from Virat. Would you want to react to such toxicity?
Sunil: It is perhaps not fair for me to do so as I am actually on the other side. As a player, I understand what the players go through. But still, let me say this. All of us felt the pain and the disappointment but no one could feel it more than the eleven men who played the final. I can tell you this, the pain they must have felt and continue to feel is very different. For weeks and months, they will feel the pain. So when you say things in frustration on social media and post a tweet, just for a second pause and think.
They played extraordinary cricket for 10 games and as a sportsman, I can tell you things can go wrong in the 11th game. Such things happen in sports. In fact, that’s why its a sport. It doesn’t always go as per script. But effort, preparation, commitment- whatever you ask for, these men had given it their all. Maybe, you can think about it once before writing.
One of them is a very good friend of mine and I keep speaking to him often and I know what it means to him. That’s why I am saying this. In fact, I often say that when you are angry or frustrated don’t tweet. It doesn’t help. But then if you do, just pause for a moment and think about the hurt and the pain each of these players is going through.
Boria: When we are on the issue of fandom, let me take you back to the night of the defeat against Qatar. The team had boarded the bus and there was this little kid who was crying, wanting to meet you. Our reporters captured the incident frame by frame. You came down from the bus met the kid and clicked photos with her. It made her night.
Sunil: I have often said this to you Boria da, the kind of adulation and love I receive from the fans is just overwhelming. And it has grown exponentially in the past few years. The very least I can do is reciprocate. Not always is it possible. You aren’t always in the frame of mind after a loss or there can be cops who say it is not wise because of security issues. On that night I just requested the cops that I wanted to meet the young kid. It just seemed the right thing to do.
I feel that if any one of these fans who I get an opportunity to meet and take a picture with goes on and plays the sport, it will be a legacy I will be most proud of. For me, it is just about coming down from the bus and taking a photograph. For them, it is a lot more. If I am able to make someone happy, that’s the biggest thing I can do as a sportsperson. I will always do it. But as I said, it is not always possible and not always can you make everyone happy. But I am glad I was able to bring a smile to her face that night in Bhubaneshwar.