Kohli calls for HIGH-VOLTAGE CRICKET: Goodbye to unnecessary tension in IND vs AUS.

From on-field provocations to heated confrontations, the rivalry between India and Australia has been legendary. However, it seems that something has changed. In the past, the tension between both teams was palpable, with moments that bordered on physical confrontation. However, the 2018-19 series marked a turning point, and the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town was a trigger. The subsequent series was characterized by a banter exchange, but nothing as hostile as before. India’s captain, Virat Kohli, even asked the fans to stop booing Steven Smith, showing unusual respect. Before the start of the 2020-21 Test series, the question arises as to whether this new respect between the teams will compromise the intensity of the matches. On the eve of the first Test in Adelaide, Kohli explained that the relationship improved due to the number of IPL matches they play together, which has generated greater understanding among the players. Furthermore, the maturity and experience of the players have influenced this evolution. Australia, after the Cape Town incident, has recognized the need to improve its behavior, seeking a balance between competitiveness and fair play. This year, people’s priorities have changed, and they have realized how unnecessary certain tensions were. “It’s a combination of all those factors,” Kohli said. “I think this year has also made people realize that a lot of things might not have been necessary in the past, where you hold grudges and have unnecessary tensions between teams and individuals, which is absolutely pointless. You’re still going to be professional and make sure you’re positive and aggressive in your body language and the way you go about things on the field.”

Kohli also acknowledged that Australia has changed “to some extent”. “It could be a culmination of playing in the IPL together, a lot of IPL cricket, Australia changing their approach to some extent, and also the way things have developed this year,” he said. “Everyone is grateful for the opportunity to get back on the field. It’s not that the matches haven’t been as intense or competitive, it’s just that unnecessary things have been filtered out. I feel there is much more respect between the teams. You can see it on the field, and I hope cricket continues to be competitive. Kohli also emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of cricket and competitiveness on the field. “We must not compromise the quality of cricket. Banter will continue to happen here and there all the time. That is the highest level of cricket we play, and it is going to be very competitive. There will be tension, there will be stress, there will be emotions that flare up from time to time. I don’t foresee anything becoming personal. I think also we, all of us, are becoming smarter, and [we are] a few years further in our careers. So we are going to make better and smarter decisions, and make sure that the quality of cricket is maintained.” In summary, Kohli believes that the game will continue to be intense and competitive, but with greater respect and maturity among the teams.