Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to change the name of the Indian cricket team from “Team India” to “Team Bharat”. He believes that the name “Bharat” is more appropriate and reflects the country’s rich history and culture.
Sehwag made the suggestion in a tweet on Tuesday, saying that “it’s high time we officially reinstate our original name, ‘Bharat'”. He also pointed out that other countries, such as the Netherlands and Myanmar, have reverted to their original names in recent years.
I have always believed a name should be one which instills pride in us.
We are Bhartiyas ,India is a name given by the British & it has been long overdue to get our original name ‘Bharat’ back officially. I urge the @BCCI @JayShah to ensure that this World Cup our players have… https://t.co/R4Tbi9AQgA— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 5, 2023
Sehwag’s suggestion has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have supported it, saying that it is a way to reclaim India’s cultural heritage. Others have argued that it is unnecessary and that the name “Team India” is already well-established. The BCCI has not yet commented on Sehwag’s suggestion.
Virender Sehwag urges BCCI to change name of Indian cricket team to ‘Team Bharat’
In a separate tweet, Sehwag also clarified that he is not making the suggestion for political reasons. He said that he is “no fan of any particular political party” and that he is “only interested in ‘Bharat'”. Sehwag’s comments have sparked a debate about the name of India and its cultural identity. It remains to be seen whether the BCCI will take up his suggestion.
Funny when people think having a desire that our nation be addressed as Bharat is viewed as a political thing.
I am no fan of any particular political party. There are good people in both national parties and there are also very many incompetent people in both parties. I once… pic.twitter.com/9aJoJ6FEGp— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 6, 2023