In an ever-glazing era of a digital orb, nothing goes unnoticed. And to say you are never really away from being in the midst of this faux universe would be an utter understatement. For celebrities and sportsperson, a single clinger is enough for the internet-judges to inaugurate the wave of memes.
Caught in this storm recently was the Ravichandran Ashwin, the skipper of the Punjab side in the Indian T20 League. The veteran spinner came under a massive backlash following the ‘Mannkad-ing’ of Rajasthan’s Jos Buttler on Monday. Be it a wrangling decision or an act ‘according to the law’, the spinner divided opinions and social media was left into a frenzy.
Picking up the trend, Kolkata Police decided to showcase their ingenuity by clubbing the incident to send a social message. “Crease or road, you will regret if you cross the line,” read the tweet posted on March 26.
We take a look at a few such episodes where individual antics never went unnoticed before eventually becoming a meme.
Jasprit Bumrah would 'never cross a line'
Jasprit Bumrah / Twitter
It was the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final and a blockbuster of a clash in India vs Pakistan. India were handed a positive start when pacer Jasprit Bumrah dismissed opener Fakhar Zaman. The celebrations though were cut short as the umpire signalled the bowler had crossed the line. Zaman was in single digital during the course and the no-ball changed the entire complexion as he went on to score a century, helping Pakistan to a historic win over their neighbours.
Taking to Twitter, Jaipur Police decided to use the incident for a social cause and while posting the Bumrah’s overstep, they wrote, "Don’t cross the line. You know it can be costly.”
Bumrah, on his part, was left baffled and responded by saying, "Well done Jaipur traffic police this shows how much respect you get after giving your best for the country."
Well, the Jaipur Police indeed apologised for their action, but the damage was already done.
Sachin Tendulkar and his love for helmets
Mumbai Police / Twitte
In 2018, among a plethora of wishing cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar on his birthday was a witty little episode. Taking to Twitter, the official Twitter handle of the Mumbai Police took on the Little Master’s love for helmets and went on with a wish that read: “The Little Master set great records wearing a helmet! How about simply following his footsteps?”
The picture, on the other hand, was a collage with a message. “Being worn by the God of Cricket since 1989.” A class act indeed.
Prithvi Shaw's '100 helps'
Mumbai Police / Twitter
It’s a match Prithvi Shaw won’t forget any time soon. Making his Test debut against the West Indies, the youngster from Mumbai went on to notch up a century. The ton meant at the age of 18 years and 329 days, Shaw became only the second youngest Indian to reach the triple figures on debut after the great Tendulkar, who scored his at 17 years and 107 days against England in Manchester.
Congratulating the youngster, the Mumbai Police somehow managed to find a social message behind his success and simply wrote, “From our 100 to yours! It’s always a good start… the very best to you @PrithviShaw #Dial100”
Safe as Pujara
Kolkata Police / Twitte
India’s recent tour of Australia was all about Cheteshwar Pujara’s induvial brilliance. He has been India’s saviour on several occasions and this tour was no different. While the rest of his team-mates struggled to face the energetic Australian bowling unit, Mr. Dependable went on to score a century and helped India in registering a decent total.
Pointing out his secured style of play, Kolkata Police came up with a brilliant idea of clubbing Pujara’s exploits to their ‘Safe Drive, Save Life’ campaign.
Pandya and Rahul need to be the gentlemen
Mumbai Police / Twitter
The controversy surrounding Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul spread like a wildfire. The cricketers were not only barred from the team but faced a major downfall in sponsorships. Becoming the centre of jokes and memes from all around the globe, the two faced a major backlash for their misogynist comments.
Mumbai Police, in the midst, joined the fray and launched a subtle attack targeting the cricketers. “A ‘Gentleman’ is a Gentleman, always and everywhere,” read their post. Writing as how to be good as a player, they suggested, “On the field: Maximum score” and “Off [the] field: Maximum respect for women”.
