Dalits, Advivasis Should Get Reservation In Indian Cricket Team: Actor Chetan Explains Why

Activist and Kannada actor Chetan Kumar has demanded a reservation for the Scheduled Cast and Tribes in the Indian cricket team after the Men in Blue lost to Australia in the World Cup final on Sunday.

"I repeat, India needs reservations in cricket If India had cricket reservations, India would've easily won this #WorldCup," he tweeted.

In a newly-released video on Facebook, he reiterated his previous comments and said, "If there was a reservation, India would have Won World Cup 2023. I stand by my tweet."

He claimed that about 300 cricketers have represented India in the 90-year test match history out of which only four people belong to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes.

"Dalits and Advasis are fit enough to play cricket. The problem lies in the system that supports rich, influential, club players, and indirectly powerful upper caste people," the 'Aa Dinagalu' actor added.

He pointed out that cricket is different from sports such as swimming and running races and demanded a reservation for the SC and STs. He highlighted that sports like kabbadi give a platform for rural talents and people from all sections while cricket has become a sport for the rich and influential class.

He believes that by giving representation to the SCs and STs in cricket, India can emerge victorious in the future World Cups.

The Kannada actor further retweeted the below post:

"Reservation doesn't mean caste. It simply means representation for all. Reservation stands for diversity & diversity wins. Unfortunately, reservation is the most hated and abused word in this country as it gives some chance to weaker sections which so called UCs do not want.

He also spoke about cricketer Palwankar Baloo who had played cricket in late 1800 despite belonging to oppressed community.