Former Indian cricketer L Sivaramakrishnan has sparked an important conversation after revealing that he faced racism from his own teammates during his playing days. His candid remarks have drawn attention to the issue of color bias that has long existed, but rarely been openly discussed, in Indian cricket.
Speaking about his experiences, Sivaramakrishnan recalled being subjected to insensitive comments related to his skin tone. One phrase in particular — “dark chocolate for dark boy” — stood out as a recurring taunt that left a lasting impact on him. While such remarks may have been dismissed as jokes at the time, he emphasized that they contributed to a culture of exclusion and discomfort.
The former leg-spinner, who represented India in the 1980s, explained that racism in sports is not always overt but often subtle and normalized. He noted that locker-room humor can sometimes cross boundaries, especially when it targets personal traits like skin color.
Sivaramakrishnan’s revelation has resonated with many, especially in a country where conversations around colorism are gaining momentum. His story sheds light on how even celebrated institutions like cricket are not immune to societal prejudices.
He also pointed out that awareness and accountability are key to addressing such issues. According to him, the current generation of players and administrators must actively work toward creating a more inclusive and respectful environment.
The cricketing community has increasingly been vocal about discrimination in recent years, but Sivaramakrishnan’s account serves as a reminder that there is still work to be done. By speaking out, he hopes to encourage others who have faced similar experiences to share their stories and push for change.
As discussions around diversity and inclusion continue to grow, his words underline the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths — even in spaces as beloved as cricket.
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