India captains, past and present, supported the government, whose handling of the farmers protest drew flak from international celebrities.

Virat Kohli tweeted: “Let us all stay united in this hour of disagreements. Farmers are an integral part of our country and I’m sure an amicable solution will be found between all parties to bring about peace and move forward together. #IndiaTogether.”

His thoughts found resonance in tweets made by Sachin Tendulkar, Ravi Shastri and Anil Kumble. BCCI president Sourav Ganguly retweeted Sachin and Kumble’s posts.

Sachin wrote: “India’s sovereignty cannot be compromised. External forces can be spectators but not participants. Indians know India and should decide for India. Let’s remain united as a nation. #IndiaTogether #IndiaAgainstPropaganda.

Kumble tweeted: “As the world’s largest democracy, India is more than capable of taking her internal issues to amicable solutions. Onwards and upwards. #IndiaTogether#IndiaAgainstPropaganda

India coach Ravi Shastri was of the view: “Agriculture is a very important part of the machinery of the Indian economic system. Farmers are the backbone of any country’s ecosystem. This is an internal matter which I’m sure will be resolved through dialogue. Jai Hind! #IndiaStandsTogether #IndiaAgainstPropoganda.”

However, former footballer Darren Caldeira tweeted: “Students are paid. Protestors are paid. Farmers are paid. Now, Rihanna is paid as well. You’d require quite the budget for her. She is worth $600 mil according to Forbes. Just saying. #FarmersProtest.”