Former West Indies skipper Darren Sammy has been making headlines in India ever since he opened up about facing racism and realising what the term âKaaluâ meant, the slur which was used to address him during his time with SunRisers Hyderabad for the Indian Premier League.

Ever since, many have spoken about the kind of man Sammy is, why is he finally talking about something which happened over six years ago and why is he talking about personally getting in touch with all those people who referred to him by that name. 

recently I discovered a word that I was being called was not what it actually meant I need some answers. So before I start calling out names I need these individuals to reach out and please tell me thereâs another meaning to that word. I saw u as brothers https://t.co/Ouf7eh5Yu8

Well, hereâs a story about the Saint Lucian cricketer which might help you understand the kind of man he is. 

Back in 2013, when Sammyâs West Indies side visited India for a two-match Test series, it was a special occasion as Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar was about to hang his boots after the Wankhede clash. While the Windies roster failed to impress or have an impact throughout the series, it was Darren Sammyâs catch to dismiss Tendulkar and the reaction which followed, that became the talk of the town. 

Batting at 74, the master blaster misjudged Narsingh Deonarineâs delivery in the 48th over and edged an easy catch to Sammy who was standing at first slip. 

While Tendulkar realised that this is how his career was going to end and immediately started walking towards the dressing room, Sammy sat on the spot with the ball in his hand and head bowed down. His team mates approached him to celebrate the wicket but Sammy didnât move a muscle. 

âI took a brilliant catch to dismiss him but there was no emotion shown. Thatâs the level of respect I have for the man,â Sammy said at the end of the day. âWe have utmost respect for Sachin, respect for what heâs done for the game. He is a special man but he is made even more special the way the fans treat him. I donât think any other sportsman in any sport has gotten that type of treatment from his or her followers.

Darren Sammy's reaction after taking @sachin_rt catch in his retirement match. pic.twitter.com/haWGmfPvM7

âIndia has set the benchmark as to how you support your own son of the soil. Many great cricketers have come and gone but Sachin is one that will never be forgotten. Kids who are probably not born yet, they will grow up in India and they will hear about Sachin Tendulkar. Thatâs the legacy he has left behind. So, to be part of it is a wonderful experience. Cricket, we would love to forget, how we played, but to be part of this momentous occasion is something I will never forget.â

Thatâs the kind of man Darren Sammy really is. His love for the game, his respect for the players and his admiration for cricketing fans from all over the world make him one of the most well-regarded athletes one could ever come across. 

© Twitter - Darren Sammy

To make him feel âdegradedâ by referring to the colour of his skin, thus not only insults the man himself but everything that he stands for. Casual or not, racial discrimination should never be supported. What Darren Sammy is doing right now is standing up for himself and all those who have come across such moments in their lives so that, maybe one day, their kids donât have to go through the same. 

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