A photograph of former India fast bowler Javagal Srinath travelling on the Bengaluru Metro with a trolley bag has gone viral on social media, drawing widespread appreciation from cricket fans who have praised the Karnataka icon for his unpretentious approach to everyday life.
The image shows Srinath commuting alongside ordinary passengers, carrying his own luggage without any special arrangements. Fans who came across the photograph celebrated the former international for conducting himself without the trappings
that often accompany celebrity status, even long after a distinguished playing career.
Srinath represented India between 1991 and 2003, appearing in 67 Tests and 229 ODIs. He was regarded as one of the most potent fast bowlers of his generation, building his reputation on fiery pace through the 1990s. Since retiring from playing, he has remained closely involved in the sport at the highest administrative level.
What is Javagal Srinath's current role in cricket?
Srinath has been serving as an ICC match referee for nearly two decades. He was appointed to the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees in April 2006 and has continued in that capacity since, overseeing international fixtures across all formats around the world.
His move from one of India's most feared fast bowlers to a respected match official has been a steady and consistent journey. As a member of the ICC Elite Panel, Srinath is regularly stationed at international venues across the globe, which makes his decision to use public transport in his home city particularly striking to fans who noticed the circulating image.
The exact date on which the Bengaluru Metro photograph was taken could not be confirmed, a detail that India Today also noted when the image attracted wider attention.
Has Srinath been seen in similar situations before?
This is not the first occasion on which Srinath has been photographed going about his daily routine without any fanfare. Fans have previously shared images of him at Mysuru railway station, carrying a bag on his back, and those photographs drew similarly positive reactions online for the same reasons.
Srinath is a celebrated figure in Karnataka cricket, a state that has produced several prominent Indian cricketers over the decades. His consistent willingness to use public transport and move through shared spaces without special treatment has resonated strongly with fans, who regard it as a genuine reflection of his character.
The latest photograph from the Bengaluru Metro has reinforced that sentiment among cricket followers and added another chapter to the public image of a cricketer who has remained grounded well beyond his playing days.
