‘Dark Chocolate Cake for a Dark Boy’, Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Details Enduring Racism Within India National Cricket Team During Playing Days

Former India leg-spinner L. Sivaramakrishnan has recently come forward with candid and distressing accounts of racial discrimination he endured during his playing days with the national team, shedding light on a seldom-discussed aspect of Indian cricket. In interviews published on Wednesday, Sivaramakrishnan detailed how repeated instances of prejudice, often linked to his darker skin complexion, severely impacted his confidence and self-esteem from a young age. These revelations follow his recent decision to retire from commentary, where he also alleged racial bias within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) broadcasting setup. Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Alleges Possible Discrimination as Reason Behind Taking Retirement From BCCI Commentary.

Early Encounters with Discrimination

Sivaramakrishnan's experiences with racial bias began early in his career. At just 14, while serving as a net bowler for the national side, he was allegedly mistaken for ground staff by a senior Indian batsman and asked to clean his shoes. He recalled the confusion and hurt of the incident, stating he "didn't have a word for racism" at the time, only the bewilderment of such treatment from a hero. As his career progressed, the discrimination continued, with teammates in the Tamil Nadu side reportedly calling him "Karupa" (dark-skinned) and crowds in cities like Mumbai and Jalandhar chanting abusive remarks about his complexion. He also recounted a harrowing incident at a Mumbai hotel where a gatekeeper initially refused him entry, disbelieving that a "dark-skinned boy" could be an Indian cricketer, leaving him "trembling" with fear of rejection.

The 'Dark Chocolate Cake' Incident

One particularly poignant memory shared by Sivaramakrishnan occurred during his 17th birthday celebration while on tour with the Indian team in Pakistan. What should have been a joyous occasion turned deeply distressing when a teammate allegedly made a racial joke about his skin colour, remarking, "Hey Sunny, you ordered the right colour cake. Such a dark chocolate cake for a dark boy". The comment left him in tears, and it was only after captain Sunil Gavaskar's intervention and pacification that he cut the cake. Sivaramakrishnan emphasised that such incidents profoundly affected his mental state, leading to low self-esteem and a struggle to build confidence at a tender age. Ravi Ashwin Reacts to Laxman Sivaramakrishnan's 'I Am Retiring from Commentary for BCCI' Post.

Lasting Impact and Commentary Retirement

The cumulative effect of these discriminatory experiences, both on and off the field, contributed to the premature unraveling of what was once considered a highly promising international career. Sivaramakrishnan, who made his Test debut at 17, found his confidence shattered, leading to a decline in form and a short international stint. Laxman Sivaramakrishnan Clears BCCI and Jay Shah Over Commentary Retirement Controversy.

More recently, in March 2026, Sivaramakrishnan announced his retirement from commentary after 23 years, alleging 'colour discrimination' by the BCCI for consistently overlooking him for key on-air roles such as toss duties and presentation ceremonies. He expressed frustration that newcomers were given opportunities he was denied, directly linking this to racial bias.

Sivaramakrishnan's courageous decision to speak out has reignited discussions about inclusivity and the pervasive issue of colour discrimination within Indian cricket. His accounts underscore the emotional and psychological toll such experiences can take on athletes, highlighting the urgent need for introspection and systemic change within the sport to foster a truly equitable environment for all players and professionals.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 25, 2026 04:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).