Indian cricket legends Sachin Tendulkar and Shubman Gill have shared their thoughts on the ongoing students’ protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, urging compassion, patience and meaningful reforms while emphasizing the importance of protecting the aspirations of India’s youth. The protest, led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), has continued since the cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination following a major paper leak.
Demonstrators are demanding sweeping reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The issue has sparked nationwide debate, with students and parents seeking greater transparency and accountability in the examination process. Taking to X, Sachin Tendulkar reflected on the values instilled in him by his late father, who was a professor and mentor to countless students. The batting icon stressed that honesty and hard work should always be rewarded over shortcuts.
“My father was a professor,” Tendulkar wrote. “He was a mentor and guide to many young students. One lesson that he instilled early on was, ‘Failure is okay, cheating is not. Never take shortcuts.'”
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He further said that society has a collective responsibility to create an environment where merit is respected and genuine effort is recognised.
“As adults in society, we have the responsibility of shaping culture. A society which prioritises outcomes over effort will seek shortcuts over meritocracy. Today, when students feel disappointed that their hard work hasn’t been rewarded, it is understandable,” he added.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 23, 2026
The NEET-UG paper leak and the subsequent nationwide re-examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) have reportedly been linked to more than 20 suicides across the country. Amid growing public concern, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the case, while the central government has assured students that the matter will be resolved swiftly.
Tendulkar called for collective action to restore students’ confidence and safeguard their future. “Collectively, we should all work together towards ensuring they don’t feel this way again,” he said. “Young India is full of dreams and energy. They are the fuel to our success. We must create a culture where hard work is rewarded, honesty is encouraged and merit wins. I am certain we will all find solutions that strengthen our children’s future and safeguard their aspirations.”
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Shubman Gill echoed a similar sentiment without directly commenting on the protest itself. The India Test and ODI captain expressed his admiration for young people who choose peaceful means to make their voices heard and highlighted the transformative power of education.
“As a young Indian, I believe our generation deserves every opportunity to learn, dream and shape the future we all aspire to,” Gill wrote. “I have immense respect for every young person who believes in making their voice heard peacefully. Education has the power to shape our nation’s future. I hope we move forward with compassion, mutual respect and keeping the best interests of every student at heart.”
Shubman gill insta post for Jantar Mantar Protest @ShubmanGill pic.twitter.com/59shiGlDf9
— Shivaji BHU…… (@Spy981137766) July 23, 2026
While both cricket stars avoided commenting on the political aspects of the controversy, their messages focused on supporting students, strengthening trust in the education system and encouraging solutions that protect the future of India’s youth.
