Kohli: High-Voltage Cricket, No Unnecessary Tension in India vs Australia

From on-field provocations to heated clashes, the rivalry between India and Australia has been legendary. However, there seems to be a shift in the atmosphere. In 2013, Shikhar Dhawan mocked an injured Shane Watson. In 2014-15, David Warner was used as the official instigator. There were moments of “mental disintegration” and juvenile fights on the field, even after the death of Phillip Hughes. In the past, the rivalry between India and Australia was 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 changed things. The subsequent series included funny jokes, but nothing as unpleasant as before. Virat Kohli, India’s captain, asked Indian fans to stop booing Steven Smith, who was returning after a ban. Before the start of the 2020-21 Test series, some wonder if this new respect between the teams will compromise the intensity of the matches. Kohli explained that the best relationships are because the teams play together in the IPL and know each other better. The players are older, wiser, and more secure in their place. Australia has acknowledged its behavior and seeks a balance between competitiveness and good behavior. This year, people have reevaluated their priorities.

It’s a combination of all those factors. I think this year has also made people realize that many things may not have been necessary in the past, where you hold grudges and have unnecessary tension between teams and individuals, which is absolutely useless.

Virat Kohli

Kohli believes that things will no longer be so personal, understanding that they contribute to a greater cause and that the quality of cricket must stand out.

Kohli also acknowledged that Australia has changed “to some extent”. According to Kohli, respect between teams is greater. Cricket must remain competitive, with tension and emotions, but without becoming personal. Players are maturing and will make better decisions. Kohli is respected in Australia for his attitude. When asked if the players feel vilified, Kohli replied that the players understand what is required for the team and that the quality of cricket should not be compromised. The teams will strive to the maximum, but without disrespect. The appreciation of performance and character comes at the end of the five days, and the competition on the field will always be intense. In other words, tough but fair. The intensity between India and Australia remains high.