Indian cricketer Shubman Gill has found himself at the center of a social media storm after recently being spotted with a new MRF bat featuring the word “Prince” inscribed on it. This move has drawn significant criticism from fans, many of whom are comparing it to cricketing legends Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli, highlighting that neither of them ever overtly displayed self-proclaimed titles on their bats.
The “Prince” Sticker Sparks Controversy
Photos of Shubman Gill, who has also been appointed as India’s new Test captain, with his MRF bat ahead of the upcoming England tour, circulated online. Fans quickly noticed the “Prince” inscription alongside the familiar “MRF Genius” logo. While Gill has been affectionately nicknamed “Prince” by some fans due to his immense potential, its prominent display on his bat has led to accusations of arrogance and self-obsession.
Comparisons to Tendulkar and Kohli
The core of the fan backlash stems from the comparison to two of India’s greatest cricketers. Sachin Tendulkar is widely revered as the “God of Cricket,” and Virat Kohli is frequently referred to as “King Kohli.” However, as fans have pointed out, neither Tendulkar nor Kohli ever used these fan-given titles on their bats or cricketing gear. Their greatness, it’s argued, spoke for itself through their performances.
Fan Reactions: A Divide in Opinion
Social media has been abuzz with mixed reactions. Many fans have expressed their disapproval, suggesting that while Gill is talented, he still has a long way to go to earn such a grand label, especially given his relatively young international career and Test record. Sentiments like, “Sachin never wrote GOD, Kohli never used KING — greatness speaks for itself,” have been widely echoed.
On the other hand, some supporters of Gill argue that it could be a personal expression of self-belief, a spiritual reference, or simply a branding decision by MRF. They believe fans might be overreacting to what could be a minor design choice. It is currently unclear whether the decision to include “Prince” was Gill’s or MRF’s.
MRF’s Legacy and Gill’s New Role
MRF has a long history of partnering with elite cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, AB de Villiers, and Virat Kohli, all of whom carried the “Genius” sticker. Gill’s association with MRF was already seen as a significant moment, marking him as a potential torchbearer of the next generation. However, the added “Prince” moniker, which reportedly first appeared during the IPL and gained prominence with his Test captaincy, has inadvertently overshadowed this significant partnership.
As Shubman Gill prepares to lead India in the upcoming five-match Test series against England, the controversy surrounding his bat has added an unexpected layer of scrutiny. While he has shown tremendous potential, particularly in ODIs, his Test numbers are still evolving. The debate highlights the intense pressure and expectations placed on Indian cricketers, where symbolism and perception often intertwine with performance.
