The rivalry between India and Australia, known for its intensity, has undergone a notable evolution in recent years. From the provocations of players like Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner, to the confrontations on the field, the relationship between both teams has gone through tense moments. However, the incident in Cape Town, where the ball-tampering scandal occurred, marked a turning point. During last year’s World Cup, India’s captain, Virat Kohli, asked fans to stop booing Steven Smith, showing a change of attitude. 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.
The Mindset Shift
On the eve of the first Test in Adelaide, Kohli explained that the better relationship is due to the players sharing many encounters in the IPL and knowing each other better. Furthermore, the maturity of the players and their understanding of their place in the world have influenced this change.Australia has recognized the need to improve its behavior, seeking a balance between competitiveness and exemplary conduct. Kohli emphasizes that the quality of cricket should be the most important thing, although rivalry and aggression on the field will remain present.This year has also made people realize that many things might not have been necessary in the past, where grudges are held and there is unnecessary tension between teams and individuals, which is absolutely useless.
Virat Kohli
