'I feel negativity will be there...' - Ishan Kishan opens up harsh reality of social media trolls

Social media has become a platform where cricketers are criticized constantly, even for minor failures. While some pay heed to it, others ignore it, knowing the mental trauma the trolls can cause in their lives. Regarding social media and its effects on players, India's wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan opened up about the harsh reality and what players go through because of it.

Kishan spoke about the time when he was trolled for missing out on several series and also mentioned Hardik Pandya's condition after transferring to Mumbai Indians (MI). "I feel negativity will be there on Social Media, people will troll you if you don't do well - that is very normal - I feel every Sportsperson should accept that - shouldn't make a huge fuss - when you perform the same set of people will praise you, that happened with Hardik as well," said Ishan Kishan as quoted by TOI. 

After travelling for a few series, Ishan spoke to BCCI about travel fatigue and took a break from cricket. He stopped participating in all the series, which happened back-to-back after the ODI World Cup 2023. This decision didn't sit well with the fans, and they started trolling him.

He didn't receive support from the Board as well since they removed him from the central contract. Despite everything, once he felt good about himself and was in a correct mind frame, he returned to playing cricket. He played some domestic games where he scored centuries and announced his comeback with a smile. 

Hardik Pandya's struggle against social media

India's all-rounder and Mumbai Indians (MI) captain, Hardik Pandya, has been at the centre of criticism throughout his career. Be it his attitude or his fashion, people have always targeted him. This time, the crowd, viewers and social media users crossed their line after he took over the captaincy of MI from Rohit Sharma. Fans trolled him for two months straight. This was not it. They trolled him during MI's home games as well in the IPL, which was unacceptable. Several commentators had to step up and stop the crowd from taking a jibe at the player. 

However, everything changed during the T20 World Cup 2024 when Hardik helped India clinch victory in the finals. Also, his performance was phenomenal throughout the tournament. Once he won the cup, all the criticisms and trolling turned into praises and appreciation. This was a learning lesson for the players and the people who have received trolling in the past that social media isn't anybody's. It changes as per conditions and circumstances. Hence, paying heed to social media trolls will do no good to anyone. The less you pay attention to it, the better it is for your mental health.