Mumbai: India cricketer Stuart Binny, son of former cricketer Roger Binny, was born (in 1984) exactly a year after India’s glorious World Cup triumph at Lord’s Cricket Ground. He stepped into his father’s shoes and won himself a ticket to the Trans-Tasman ICC World Cup in 2015. On June 3 – a week before the series against Bangladesh – he turned 31. Let’s plan a birthday gift for him.
But his fame did not solely come from cricket though he holds the record for best bowling figures (6/4 against Bangladesh in 2014) by any Indian in ODIs. He became a household name after his marriage to Mayanti Langer was made public.
Mayanti, the screen-scorching television presenter, tied the knot with the all-rounder in 2013.
Soon, Stuart became the villain. The Indian audience (as lecherous they could be) started singling out the cricketer. Why? He has a beautiful wife.
Mayanti, with her presence in sports events, kept them drooling and Stuart – with his struggle to get into the national team – gave them reasons for criticism. The more the lady kept rising, deep went Stuart’s image among the cricket fans.
Yes, he has not even played 10 ODIs, leave alone Tests. So, does that make him a butt of ridicule? Clearly not, for he also has an Indian Premier League career for Rajasthan Royals. But for a particular mass, it is disgraceful. Why? He has a beautiful wife who can raise temperatures as well as TRPs.
On Stuart’s 31st birthday, the fans may spare a thought for the cricketer instead of expecting a return gift.
What could that be now?
Instead of stretching their tongue out admiring Mayanti’s glamorous garb, they should rather feel proud for the woman, who, in a patriarchal society, managed to hit the headlines and turn heads with her immense knowledge of sports.
She rubbed shoulders with the likes of John Dykes (the face of English Premier League broadcast) as well as the modern day cricket commentators.
Mayanti is a no nonsense girl and she has been anchoring sports events since her days in USA when she used to turn up for FIFA beach football matches.
What fans can give Stuart on his birthday is respect for his wife, for her work. He would be a happier husband.
On the hindsight, praying for the all-rounder’s success for the Bangladesh series will not cause much harm. Though his selection in the World Cup squad led to debates but mind you, he did not even play a single match. It requires enormous mental strength to warm the bench in a world tournament. Hence, one should celebrate the emergence of another all-rounder, with a terrific sportsman spirit, than slamming him.
Stuart needs to be known as an individual cricketer, not as Mayanti’s husband or Roger’s son. One bowling record isn’t enough but he needs the support to create more such miracles.
Bangladesh is where Stuart has set his sights on.
