Indian cricket fans defend Hardik Pandya by slamming trolls with racial slur on Natasa's post

The dark side of social media was evident on New Year’s day as Indian all rounder Hardik Pandya announced his engagement with actress Natasa Stankovic from a Yacht in Dubai.

The 26-year-old took to his official Instagram handle to post images and videos from a private ceremony. Natasa Stankovic was seen showing off her ring and the newly engaged couple was enjoying the company of their friends and family.

While many of Hardik’s teammates congratulated the coulple, a section of fans trolled the Indian all rounder.

The group of fans picked out on Hardik over his skin colour and shared several belittling memes, some as comments on his engagement post. From posting photos of sweets of contrasting colours to lascivious comments, trolls were heaping up the post with racist slurs.

Notwithstanding that, fans on social media slammed the trolls and cited that "so many Indians are reeking of racism".

"I'm no #HardikPandya fan, but the tweets on his engagement are disgusting to the core! It is 2020, when do Indians plan to put an end to their BS obsession with skin colour?" a Twitter user wrote.

"So many Indians reeking of racism.A talented,self made & A grade Indian cricketer is being trolled because he is engaged to a fair skin.I mean wtf is wrong with you guys.. What has the girl from Siberia achieved that makes him lesser than her other than the fact that she is fair?" another one wrote while defending Hardik Pandya.

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Concurrently, on Hardik’s big day, Indian captain Virat Kohli took to Instagram and stated that he was pleasantly surprised at the news.

"Congratulations H. What a pleasant surprise. Wish you guys great times ahead. God bless," Kohli had commented on Hardik's post.

Hardik's brother Krunal Pandya welcomed Natasa Stankovic to their family while congratulating the newly engaged couple.

"Big, big, congratulations Hardik and Natasa. Natasa, we're so happy to have you join our crazy fam. Welcome to the madness!! Love both of you guys," Krunal wrote.