Wriddhiman Saha vs Journalist: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri once again defended India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha after his tweet created an uproar on social media. Shastri while defending Saha said with the tremendous spotlight on players, it has become difficult for them to have good rapport with journalists. Follow InsideSport.In for more updates on cricket.
The veteran of 80 Tests and 150 ODIs and India captain said with the exponential growth of media houses, electronic and now digital space has made it very difficult for players to remain friends
“I think it has changed. It has changed from the time we played the game. The equation we had with journalists was far far better than the equation you see with the boys today. And I have been part of (the) dressing room for the last seven years,” Ravi Shastri said at the launch of ‘It’s A Wonderful World’, a memoir by Khalid A-H Ansari.
Wriddhiman Saha vs Journalist: Ravi Shastri backs Saha, says ‘Equation we had with journalists far better than the boys of today’
Wriddhiman Saha vs Journalist: Ravi Shastri backs Saha, says ‘Equation we had with journalists far better than the boys of today’
The context wasn’t difficult to understand as recently veteran India wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha, who will turn out for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022, had put some allegedly “threatening” messages from a journalist for refusing to oblige him with an interview.
Ravi Shastri was one of those prominent former stars who had urged Saha to publicly name and shame the journalist in question. Shastri, a former India all-rounder, said that it’s difficult being under a constant spotlight.
“I don’t blame the guys though because the spotlight that is there on today’s players is nowhere like what it was on us. Obviously, the increase in a number of media personnel has got a lot to do with this,” Ravi Shastri said.
Wriddhiman Saha vs Journalist: Ravi Shastri backs Saha, says ‘Equation we had with journalists far better than the boys of today’
After all of my contributions to Indian cricket..this is what I face from a so called “Respected” journalist! This is where the journalism has gone. pic.twitter.com/woVyq1sOZX
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 19, 2022
It was certainly different during Shastri’s era when Doordarshan was the only news channel and just a handful of newspapers used to cover Indian cricket. Fast forward to 2022, India currently has over two dozen of news channels besides newspapers and thousands of digital outlets.
“We had the print media; there was television (Doordarshan) that had just started. But today with the platforms that exist in the media and social media taking off the way it is, news channels, the number of news channels that cover the game, is unreal and that really is something that puts the spotlight on the players,” Ravi Shastri added.
Wriddhiman Saha vs Journalist: Ravi Shastri backs Saha, says ‘Equation we had with journalists far better than the boys of today’
3/3- I thank each and everyone who has shown support and extended their willingness to help. My gratitude.
— Wriddhiman Saha (@Wriddhipops) February 22, 2022
Wriddhiman Saha vs Journalist: Ravi Shastri backs Saha, says ‘Equation we had with journalists far better than the boys of today’
Shastri, also a famous commentator, said that during his time, he has tried to discuss it with the players.
“I feel we have tried to discuss it (with) them. To speak as much as you can to the media, but make sure that it is a proper kind of press conference where you take everyone’s questions at one go. Because what happens is a lot of things are taken out of context these days and I am being honest about it, because of the competition that exists.”
“As a result of which, the player has no choice but to go into a shell, has absolutely no choice and says I rather look within, focus on the game, let my cricket do the talking and once I am done and dusted, then I can speak to whoever,” the 59-year-old added.
Wriddhiman Saha vs Journalist: Ravi Shastri backs Saha, says ‘Equation we had with journalists far better than the boys of today’
