In a candid and eye-opening revelation, former India head coach Ravi Shastri has pulled back the curtain on the intense, often suffocating reality faced by Indian cricketers at home—and why many actually perform better when they’re thousands of miles away, playing on foreign soil.
“You’re public property!” Shastri declared during a recent interview, capturing in four words the relentless scrutiny that defines life for modern Indian cricketers. From the moment they step out of their homes to the way they dress, eat, or even celebrate a birthday, every move is watched, judged, and amplified—especially on social media.
Why Indian Cricketers Excel Overseas
According to Shastri, the pressure cooker environment in India—fueled by 24/7 media coverage, fan expectations, and digital surveillance—makes it nearly impossible for players to find peace. “When you’re overseas, you can actually breathe,” he explained. “There’s no one chasing you for selfies at 2 a.m. You can go for a walk, have a quiet dinner, or just sit in a park without being mobbed.”
This freedom, he argues, translates directly to performance. “Mentally, you’re relaxed. You sleep better. You focus better. That’s why you see guys like Kohli or Bumrah raise their game in Australia or England—they’re not just adapting to conditions; they’re escaping the noise.”
Legends Sought Escape Too
Shastri didn’t just speak theoretically. He recalled how even icons like Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni had to resort to late-night drives or secret exits just to get a moment of normalcy.
“Sachin would leave his house at midnight just to buy milk,” Shastri shared. “Not because he needed milk—but because it was the only time the streets were empty. Dhoni once told me he’d drive around Ranchi for hours after dinner, windows down, music on, just to feel like a regular person.”
The Social Media Amplifier
While fame has always followed cricketers in India, Shastri emphasized that social media has turned everyday life into a minefield. A casual photo, an offhand comment, or even a missed catch can spiral into a national controversy within minutes.
- Before 2010: Players faced media scrutiny, but had personal space.
- Post-2015: Every move is documented, dissected, and meme-ified.
- Today: Privacy is virtually nonexistent—even family moments are public content.
The Psychological Toll
Shastri warned that this constant exposure takes a serious mental toll. “You can’t expect a 22-year-old who just scored a century to also be a perfect role model, fashion icon, and social media influencer 24/7,” he said. “Burnout isn’t just physical—it’s emotional.”
He praised the BCCI’s recent efforts to provide mental health support but stressed that systemic change is needed. “We celebrate their success but forget they’re human beings first.”
What Fans Can Do
Shastri ended with a plea to fans: “Admire them, support them—but give them space. Let them live.” He believes that respecting boundaries isn’t just kind—it’s essential for India’s long-term cricketing health.
After all, as he put it: “A player who feels free off the field will always play free on it.”
Sources
‘You’re public property!’: Ravi Shastri explains why players perform better overseas, The Times of India, October 16, 2025.