Social media is a double-edged sword. While it has brought fans closer to their favourite cricketers, it has also become a platform for vicious trolling. Sadly, in this age of instant opinions and harsh comments, trolling has become an unfortunate side effect of fame.

However, some cricketers are pushing back, using their influence to urge fans to embrace positivity and shut down the toxic culture of online abuse. Here are five standout moments when cricketers made strong calls for an end to trolling.

1. Virat Kohli: 'Use Your Gadgets Positively’

Virat Kohli, one of India's biggest cricket icons, is no stranger to social media's darker side. Over the years, he's faced criticism and trolling, yet he remains unwavering in his message for change. In a recent viral video, he urged fans to use social media for good and keep a positive mindset.

“Use all your gadgets and use them positively. You all have access to social media, use it for good things and keep a good positive mindset," Kohli said, emphasizing that “there should be no trolling, no negativity, no making fun of people.” For Virat, it's all about spreading good vibes and using the power of social media to uplift, not tear down.

2. Ravichandran Ashwin: 'Fan Wars Need to End’

In a world where fan rivalries often spill over into personal attacks, Ravichandran Ashwin is one cricketer who refuses to stay silent. After Hardik Pandya was relentlessly trolled during the IPL, Ravichandran took to his YouTube channel to call out the ugliness of fan wars (via Sportstar - The Hindu):

“Fan wars should never go in this ugly a route," he said. “One should remember which country these players represent—our country." Ravichandran pointed out the absurdity of fighting over players, asking, “Have you seen Joe Root and Zak Crawley fans fight? Or Steve Smith and Pat Cummins fans in Australia?” His point was clear: sportsmanship should always come first, and rivalries should never sink into personal animosity.

3. Mohammad Shami: Facing the Worst of Trolling After India’s Loss to Pakistan

After India’s devastating loss to Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup, fast bowler Mohammad Shami became the target of some of the most vicious online abuse. Much of the trolling was rooted in his religious identity, a troubling aspect of modern-day social media. However, the cricketing community rallied behind Shami. “He is a dedicated, world-class bowler,” said Sachin Tendulkar (via Men’s XP), while others like Yuzvendra Chahal and Harbhajan Singh joined the chorus of support.

4. Harbhajan Singh: 'Why Troll?’

After India's loss to Australia in the 2023 World Cup final, cricketer Harbhajan Singh spoke out against the wave of online abuse targeting Australian players and their families. The trolling reached disturbing levels, with family members of players like Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head facing cruel comments. “Why troll the players and their families?...Sanity and dignity are more important,” Harbhajan said on X (formerly Twitter).



The trolling was particularly shocking as it extended to the wives of cricketers, something Harbhajan condemned as completely out of line. His call for a more dignified approach to post-match reactions resonated deeply with fans who wished to see the toxic behavior stop.

5. Aakash Chopra: Witty Response to a Troll

Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has earned a reputation for his quick wit on social media. When a troll attempted to mock him with an old image of Jasprit Bumrah’s no-ball from the 2017 Champions Trophy, Aakash wasn’t going to take it lying down. With a humorous clapback, he responded by sharing an image of Mohammad Amir’s infamous no-ball, sparking laughter across the cricket community.





Aakash’s playful yet pointed response showed that sometimes, taking a step back and laughing at the absurdity of trolling is the best way to handle it!