WC: Srinath urges Indian fans to control emotions, not to use 'foul language'

Hyderabad, Feb 5: Former fast bowler Javagal Srinath today made a passionate appeal to the Indian fans urging them back the team even if they go through a rough time during the upcoming ICC cricket World Cup.

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"I think fans need guidance. We all get little emotional when we watch a match. We use (foul) languages when we watch the match at times. I have seen people do it. Commentators can do a good job here. They can do wonders in trying to guide the fans in the right manner," Srinath told reporters on the sidelines of a promotional event here.

"Commentators will have lot of bearing and have huge responsibility in guiding the fans in the right direction. The words what they (Commentators) say and how emotional they get will have implications on the fans as well," Srinath opined.

"This is what exactly happened in 2003 (at the start of the 2003 World Cup in South Africa), when they (fans) stoned Mohammed Kaif and Rahul Dravid's house. We don't want such things to happen," Srinath said.

"We need to build in that maturity into the fans at a certain stage and that does not mean we need to bail out the players. Yes, we constructively criticise players when they don't do well. After all, no results are guaranteed. We need to believe that our players give their best and do their best," Srinath said.

The former India speedster feels that players also have some responsibility towards their die-hard fans. "One thing I can tell you, people who are playing this World Cup are aware of all these things and they will always do their best," said Srinath.

'Fans need to support the team'

"For the fans, I can say they need to support the team. They (players) will play from the bottom of the heart to do well. There will be ups and down in this World Cup. But be hopeful and support them till the end," he added.

Srinath recollected one incident from his playing days when a young fan fled from his home to meet him. "One youngster from Kerala came to Mysuru to meet me. And I met him in the end. It was quite disturbing to know that he had not told his parents that he left home. Finally, we had to do some counseling and send him back," Srinath recollected.

He further added"Our (players) families go through emotional ups and downs when we play this game. We have seen our families dejected when we don't do well and the reaction to you when you win is well-defined."

PTI