Former India spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan has spoken about the challenges he faced early in his cricket career, including instances of racism within the Indian dressing room, and how his experiences in the West Indies provided a sense of belonging. Sivaramakrishnan, who represented India in 25 international matches, made his Test debut in Antigua in April 1983 at the age of 17 years and 118 days, becoming one of the youngest players to compete in the format. Reflecting on his early career, Sivaramakrishnan described feeling more at ease in the Caribbean than in his home environment. "Everybody’s skin colour was on the darker side. They were very happy people," he said in an interview with The Indian Express. He highlighted that the West Indies team, including players like Desmond Haynes and the late Malcolm Marshall, treated him with warmth and support during his debut Test series. "In West Indies I was treated very well even by the opposition," he recalled. "My best friends were Desmond Haynes and late Malcolm Marshall. They used to take me out almost every evening." Sivaramakrishnan shared specific anecdotes about his time in the region, including how he would take a change of clothes and shower in the ground during Test matches before leaving the stadium. He emphasized the camaraderie he experienced, which contrasted with the challenges he faced in the Indian dressing room. While he did not elaborate on the nature of the racism he encountered, his comments underscore the cultural and social dynamics he navigated during his early years in international cricket. The West Indies environment, he noted, offered a sense of acceptance and community that helped him cope with the pressures of representing his country.#west_indies #laxman_sivaramakrishnan #desmond_haynes #malcolm_marshall #the_indian_express
