New Delhi. Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has demanded significant changes in the name displayed on the jersey of the Indian cricket team. Sehwag argues that during the upcoming World Cup, it should be named ‘Bharat’ instead of ‘India’. This passionate appeal was made through his social media platform of choice, Twitter, where he also tagged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and its secretary, Jay Shah.
matter of national pride
Sehwag in his social media post emphasized the importance of a name that would instil pride in every Indian. He insisted, “We are Indians. The name ‘India’ was given to us by the British, and it has taken us a long time to officially reclaim our original name ‘Bharat’.”
Team India for the World Cup
Reposting BCCI’s post, the cricketer made it clear that it is no longer ‘Team India’ but ‘Team Bharat’. “In this World Cup, when we cheer for Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah, Jaddu, ‘Bharat’ should echo in our hearts, and players should proudly wear jerseys bearing the name ‘Bharat’,” he argued.
I have always believed a name should be one which instills pride in us.
We are Bhartiyas, India is a name given by the British & it has been long overdue to get our original name ‘Bharat’ back officially. I urge the @BCCI @JayShah to ensure that this World Cup our players have… https://t.co/R4Tbi9AQgA— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 5, 2023
gave historical examples
Sehwag cited historical examples where other countries have changed their names to reflect their cultural identity. He mentioned the Netherlands, which changed from ‘Holland’ to ‘Nederland’, and the change of Burma to Myanmar. Many other countries are also returning to their original names.
a symbolic change
The ‘India’ on cricket jerseys represents much more than just a name change. It symbolizes India’s return to its roots and the reclaiming of its cultural identity. Sehwag’s stand has sparked a significant debate, highlighting the importance of cultural identity in sports.