Sir — One of the most popular tourist destinations of West Bengal, Bankura’s Bishnupur, is getting a new, colourful look. The walls of government offices, schools, colleges and even private houses of the town are being adorned with paintings in the style of the artist, Jamini Roy, who hailed from this district (“Bishnupur gets a Jamini Roy facelift”, Nov 11).

Thousands of tourists, including foreigners, visit Bishnupur round the year. This initiative of the authorities is praiseworthy; not only will it beautify the town, but it is also a wonderful way to pay homage to the great painter.

Sourish Misra,
Calcutta

Unsporting attitude

Sir — The skipper of the Indian men’s cricket team, Virat Kohli, has demeaned his own stature by responding in an unbecoming way to a cricket lover’s criticism of Indian cricket (“Captain’s quit India comment”, Nov 8). The cricket enthusiast had commented that he preferred watching English and Australian batsmen play over Indians. Kohli lost no time in retorting: he was recorded on camera as having said that the person, given his preferences, should not live in India. Just because Kohli has a few impressive records in his kitty does not mean that he cannot be criticized.

Criticism can help in enhancing one’s skills. As such, one should take it like a sport instead of reacting to it aggressively. Kohli’s growing overconfidence is undeniable; it stems from the plaudits he has received both at home and abroad. This is further aggravated by the glorification of his prowess by the media. Former Indian greats like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid also enjoyed the limelight for their distinguished records. Yet, they never let fame go to their heads. The dazzle of stardom seems to be affecting Kohli’s thinking.

It is immature to claim that every Indian must be a fan of the Indian cricket team. Kohli should focus on the upcoming series against Australia and New Zealand and the World Cup next year. It would also stand him in good stead to remain disciplined both on and off the field, keeping in mind that a sportsman’s behaviour speaks volumes about his spirit.

P.B. Saha,
Calcutta

Sir — Virat Kohli is undoubtedly a good cricketer, but his recent comment in response to a fan’s personal opinion highlighted his lack of sportsman spirit. Kohli came up with a bizarre suggestion: if the fan in question did not like Indian cricket, he should not live in India. Such statements, used frequently by ultra-nationalists these days, do not reflect the dignity associated with Indian sport. The Board of Control for Cricket in India should take immediate action against Kohli so that such behaviour does not set a precedent for other players. The greatness of an individual is not limited to the sphere of his expertise alone; it finds expression in his general behaviour as well. This is especially true for an icon like Kohli, who represents India internationally as the captain of the team.

Amitava Banerjee,
Calcutta

Sir — Cricket has become much more than a sport. Earlier, a cricketer would let his performance speak for him. Even brand endorsements used to be frowned upon; they were considered to be distractions for a professional sportsman. But now players have specialized apps through which they advertise not just products but also their personalities. Virat Kohli’s controversial remark caught the attention of the world through one such app. A player should remember that his public image may have a greater impact on his fans than he realizes. He should, therefore, speak and act responsibly. This will help preserve the reputation of cricket as a gentleman’s game.

Noyonika Sen,
Calcutta

Sir — While it is true that Virat Kohli is considered to be one of the best cricketers in recent times, one cannot agree with his response to a cricket fan’s remark that the Indian skipper is overrated as a batsman. Kohli is an influential figure in our society. So he should avoid making such controversial comments. If a person admires a foreign player for his performances, it does not mean that he deserves to be exiled from the country. What will Kohli say to his fans abroad? Should they, too, leave their countries? One has the right to admire any player one wants to, and should not be compelled to change their choice.

F.T. Mulla,
Secunderabad

Sir — Virat Kohli is a great batsman, but there are players in other countries who are no less talented than him. Indian citizens are free to admire foreign players. Kohli has no right to dictate whether such citizens deserve to live in India or not. Tolerance towards criticism is a virtue of the greats; Kohli still has a long way to go to be counted as one of them. His comments are bound to dent his reputation as a cricketer.

Sukhamay Biswas,
Calcutta