The intensity on the cricket field between India and Australia has undergone a remarkable transformation. From moments of palpable tension, with gestures like Shikhar Dhawan mocking an injured Shane Watson in 2013 or David Warner acting as a provocateur in 2014-15, to on-field confrontations, the relationship has evolved.
There was a time when the rivalry seemed on the verge of coming to blows. India’s tour of Australia in 2018-19 promised to be the most tense, but the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town marked a turning point.
In last year’s World Cup, India’s captain, Virat Kohli, asked fans to stop booing Steven Smith, who was returning after serving his suspension.
Before the start of the 2020-21 Test series, the question is whether this mutual respect will compromise the intensity of the matches.
On the eve of the first Test in Adelaide, Kohli explained that relationships have improved in part because players from both teams share dressing rooms in the IPL, which allows them to get to know each other better. In addition, the maturity and experience of the current players have also influenced.
Following the Cape Town incident, Australia has recognized the need to improve its behavior, seeking a balance between competitiveness and fair play. This year, the priorities of many have changed, realizing how unnecessary certain tensions were.
“It’s a combination of all those factors. This year has also made people realize that many things might not have been necessary in the past, where you hold grudges and have unnecessary tensions between teams and individuals, which is absolutely useless,” said Kohli.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli: “La apreciación por el rendimiento o la determinación de alguien llega al final de los cinco días, eso es lo que creo.”Kohli also believes that the game will no longer be so personal, thanks to the understanding that everyone contributes to a greater cause, where the quality of cricket should be the most important thing. “Obviously, you’re going to try to get people out, you’re going to try to score runs, but at the end of the day unnecessary things will filter out on their own,” he added.
Kohli acknowledged that Australia has changed “to some extent”. He attributed this to playing together in the IPL, Australia’s change of focus, and how things have developed this year. “I feel there is much more respect between the teams. You can see that on the field, and I hope cricket continues to be competitive.”
Kohli emphasized that the game should not compromise the quality of cricket, and although the exchange of words is inevitable, he does not foresee the rivalry becoming personal. “I think we are all becoming smarter, and [we are] a few more years into our careers. Therefore, we are going to make better and smarter decisions and ensure that the quality of cricket is maintained.”
The paradox is that Kohli is highly appreciated in Australia for his competitive spirit. Kohli was asked if the players felt vilified for giving their all to win. “For us, as cricketers, we understand that we do what is required for the team at that moment. To make sure we are moving forward as a team, whether it’s dealing with some provocations on the field or being aggressive in our plans or in our body language as a team.”
He added that the public will try to make things as difficult as possible, and the teams will also try with the opposition, but without being disrespectful. “There are times when things are going to get difficult and the teams are going to face each other, but not in a disrespectful way, that’s what I meant. There’s definitely a lot more in Test cricket. The appreciation for someone’s performance or for their courage and character comes at the end of the five days, that’s what I think.”
In summary, Kohli expects a tough but fair game, maintaining intensity and respect between India and Australia.
