From Sachin Tendulkar to Yuvraj Singh: Cricket world reacts to NEET paper leak protest

Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Shikhar Dhawan, Shubman Gill, and Irfan Pathan are among the prominent Indian cricket personalities who have publicly voiced their opinion on the ongoing NEET paper leak protest.

Former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh urged dialogue and peace for the sake of students' future. Taking to Instagram, he said:

"To every child, student, woman and man: you deserve the opportunity to learn in peace, grow with safety and chase your dreams. Your well-being is the foundation of a brighter India... Let's come together to build communities of care, opportunity, and hope. Through dialogue we can find an amicable solution for the sake of India's future."

He focused on student welfare without taking a strong political side.

Shikhar Dhawan called for patience and faith in institutions.

"Our youth are the future of our country. It is important to understand their dreams, but at the same time, it is equally important to have patience during difficult times and maintain faith in the country's institutions and government. I believe that the solution to every challenge comes from patience. India has always moved forward and will continue to move forward in the future," he posted on X.

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar issued a detailed statement supporting the students' disappointment while emphasising merit, honesty, and hard work. He referenced values from his late father (a professor): “Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts.”

Key excerpts from his post on X:

“As adults in society, we have the responsibility of shaping culture. A society which prioritises outcomes over effort will seek shortcuts over meritocracy. Today, when students feel disappointed that their hard work hasn’t been rewarded, it is understandable. Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don’t feel this way again.”

He added that society (parents, teachers, schools, administrators) has a massive responsibility to encourage youth, create a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged, and merit wins. He expressed hope for solutions that strengthen children's futures.

Current India opener Shubman Gill (one of the first active men's team players to comment) voiced support for students and peaceful expression. On X, he wrote:

"As a young Indian, I believe our generation deserves every opportunity to learn, dream and shape the future we all aspire to." He added, "I have immense respect for every young person who believes in making their voice heard peacefully...

Education has the power to shape our nation's future. I hope we move forward with compassion, mutual respect and keeping the best interests of every student at heart."

The former India bowler is quite active on social media and is known to pay heed on subjects related to society. He showed his support towards students' demands, while expressing confidence that authorities will take the required step to safeguard students' future.

"Every student puts in years of hard work for a better future and their families make sacrifices along the way too. No paper leak should ever be allowed to take that hope.

I have full faith that our country, authorities will ensure every one of them gets a fair chance. I also hope every possible step is taken to make sure this never happens again.

Our students are our future, Protect their dreams."

Former India batter, Mohammed Kaif, also joined the bracket, stating that as a "father" he felt the pain of students who endured "lathis".