The Most Hyped Indian Cricketer: Debunking the Overhype

Indian cricket has seen its share of hype, but one name stands out particularly - Pranav Dhanwade. With a record-setting century at a young age, he has caught the attention of many. However, his journey has been laced with controversies and questions about whether the hype surrounding him is warranted.

Pranav Dhanwade: The Record Setter

Pranav Dhanwade's name first hit headlines after he scored a century at a young age. His accomplishment was celebrated by many, but questions soon arose about the validity of the feat, given his opponent was a bunch of 11-16-year-old kids, whom the parents hadn't sent due to the boards' approaching them.

This ethical dilemma led many to question the fairness of the situation. Critics argued that Dhanwade's performance was questionable given the opponent's age and lack of proper competition. Furthermore, he was missed 35 times throughout the match, a statistic even slower batsmen like Ishant Sharma and Bumrah couldn't match.

Arjun Tendulkar: A More Promising Prospect

Meanwhile, Arjun Tendulkar, son of cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, was selected for a much lower fee during the 2021 IPL auction. His training under the tutelage of Glenn McGrath, one of the world's best fast bowlers, and his experience of bowling against the likes of Virat Kohli, arguably the world's best player at the time, pointed to a much more promising future and potential for greatness.

While Dhanwade's selection was criticized due to his age and lack of proper competition, the selection of Arjun Tendulkar received much less flak. This stark comparison highlighted the inherent biases and nepotism in the cricket world, a sore point for many fans.

The Inexcusable Lack of Sportsmanship

Amidst the controversies, Pranav Dhanwade's conduct has also come under scrutiny. During a match, when a young 11-year-old bowler asked him, “Baas kar na. Aur kitna marega?” (How long will you hit me for?), Dhanwade's response, “Ja ja bowling kar. Aur bahut maarna hai.” (Go go, I will hit you for more), was met with criticism. His poor sportsmanship and lack of maturity in dealing with youngsters set a worrying precedent for his future in the sport.

The Brave New World of Cricket Hype

Pranav Dhanwade's story is a microcosm of the broader issue within Indian cricket. The hype surrounding him, fueled largely by his surname, has overshadowed any real assessment of his abilities. While his achievements are commendable, it's crucial to evaluate players based on their actual performance and potential, rather than their background or connections.

It's essential for the cricket community to acknowledge that the true measure of a player's worth lies in their consistency, spirit, and ability to perform in real, competitive matches. Until Pranav Dhanwade proves himself against his peers and demonstrates a simple respect for the sport, the excess hype surrounding him is unjustified.