Former India spinner L. Sivaramakrishnan revealed experiences of racism during his cricketing career, including a hurtful “chocolate cake” incident on his 17th birthday where a teammate made a racial joke about his skin color. He also faced taunts from teammates and crowds, highlighting the emotional toll of discrimination and sparking discussions on inclusivity in Indian cricket.

Former India cricketer Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has spoken candidly about facing racism during his playing days, revealing painful memories from his career. Once hailed as one of India’s most naturally gifted young spinners, Sivaramakrishnan’s international career was relatively short. He now says some of the toughest moments came not from opponents on the field, but from within the cricketing environment itself.

Early Experiences of Racism

In an interview with The Indian Express, Sivaramakrishnan describes enduring racial bias from a young age, starting at 14 when, while serving as a net bowler at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium, a senior Indian player allegedly mistook him for ground staff and asked him to clean his shoes, a comment the young cricketer found shocking and hurtful.

He also recalls how teammates on his Tamil Nadu side would insult him by calling him “karupa” (dark‑skinned), and how supporters in cities like Mumbai and Jalandhar would chant abusive taunts about his complexion while he fielded near the boundary.