After Ravindra Jadeja's pronouncement on the Indian team's social media culture on Thursday, the internet was abuzz with speculation as to whether it was a subtle jab at Virat Kohli or Rohit Sharma. The YouTube program Kutti Stories with Ash' featured Jadeja and his former teammate Ravichandran Ashwin in a discussion where he made the remark.

The former Indian cricketer inquired of Jadeja about his opinions on social media criticisms and supporters analyzing a player's performance during their conversation. Even if those remarks are unfair, the former Chennai Super Kings captain acknowledged that the esteem he has gained from his peers in the locker room is what counts to him.

"It's unfair because you don't know the player's mindset and personality. People judge based on social media comments." It is my firm belief that a player should merit respect in the locker room. In the locker room, you won't be able to earn the respect of your teammates if you don't have a strong social media presence and engagement.

Jadeja concurred with Ashwin's statement that likes and engagement may now be purchased on social media, noting that individuals engage in such behaviors.

"Indeed, players are now purchasing likes on social media. The current trend is to purchase engagement, which is worthless, while others are organic and others are purchased. What matters most to me as a player is the respect I have from my teammates in the locker room. Furthermore, he said, "There would be an obvious sense of disengagement if there is no respect."

The internet interpreted Jadeja's statement that 'players do buy likes now on social media' as an implicit jab at Kohli and Rohit.

The IPL 2025 season is now over for Jadeja after Chennai Super Kings, who placed last in an edition for the first time, exited early. The all-rounder will be taking a few days off before heading to England for a Test series. Without Ashwin, Kohli, and Rohit, the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, will begin a five-Test series against England on June 20.