IPL 2020: CSK honours Ravindra Jadeja with custom award, fans call out casteism
Few days prior to the beginning of Indian Premier League (IPL) Chennai Super Kings opted to honour the all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja for his achievements in the IPL. The Chennai based franchise gifted a ‘Rajput Sword’ as a momento.
However, the gesture did not go down too well among many CSK fans and some even went on to call out casteism behind the award.
Earlier, CSK head coach Stephen Fleming conferred the Indian all-rounder with an award in the presence of captain MS Dhoni. The award had Jedaja’s name written along with ‘The Rajput Boy’. His achievements in the IPL so farr are, “Only Indian player to get 100+ wickets and 1900+ runs in IPL. Most wickets by any left-arm spinner in IPL – 108 wickets.”
“Thank you to the @chennaiipl team for bestowing me with this award. Playing for this amazing franchise is an honor and an opportunity I cherish. Looking forward to the season,” wrote Jadeja.
Here's how fans responded:
Chennai you may lost many of your supporters after this award😜😂
— Mitul Thakkar (@mashru_mitul) September 17, 2020
You know what i mean.
With this Rajput boy tag you endorse yourself as a casteist..and nothing else..
— முத்துகுமார்(Muthukumar) (@iammuthoo) September 17, 2020
caste name in award wow.. that is really upsetting to see that from management
— Salman (@VIJAYTHALAPATHY) September 17, 2020
why the hell caste is so important? one one hand world is fighting against racism... and in Indian cricket it is being promoted. shame on you @ChennaiIPL
— My Cricket Diary (@mycricketdiary) September 17, 2020
please take notice @BCCI @narendramodi @PMOIndia
why is caste so important?
— Birds Around Me (@birdsaroundme) September 17, 2020
Whilst, several fans of CSK congratulated the 31-year-old, the fact that Jajeda’s caste was written in the award, the didn’t go down too well with others.
Ever after Jadeja became a part of the franchise, the all-rounder has played an important role in their success. Proving some efficient overs, adding important runs lower in the batting order and stunning his fans with some brilliant fielding and catches all over the ground has definitly made him a fan-favourite.
Following Harbhajan Singh’s exit from 13th season of the tournament due to personal reasons, it is Jadeja who will be given the responsibility to spearhead CSK’s spin unit.
On the other hand, the all-rounder will find some relief as pacer Deepak Chahar, who was tested Covid-Positive last month, has reportedly recovered, and has rejoined the side in practice and will play alongside Jadeja this season to split the pressure of the bowling unit.
Jadeja will be seen in action donning a yellow kit on 19th September, when the yellow army franchise will come face-to-face against reigning champions, Mumbai Indians.
Also Read: MS Dhoni on the brink of surpassing RCB’s AB de Villiers in IPL elite list
First published: 18 September 2020, 14:43 IST