Kohli: High-voltage cricket, no unnecessary tension in the India-Australia rivalry

From provocative gestures to on-field confrontations, the rivalry between India and Australia has been legendary. However, recent events suggest a shift in the dynamics of this historic competition. In the past, the tension between both teams almost came to blows. But, after the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, something changed. The 2018-19 series was characterized by friendly banter, rather than the hostility that had become customary in the clashes between India and Australia. Even India’s captain, Virat Kohli, asked fans to stop booing Steven Smith, who was returning to the field after serving his suspension. 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.

These teams play together in the IPL and know each other better.

Virat Kohli

Kohli attributes the evolution of the rivalry to several factors, including the mutual knowledge acquired in the IPL. In addition, he points out that the players are more mature and more secure in their place in the world. 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, realizing how unnecessary certain tensions were.

This year has also made people realize that many things might not have been necessary in the past, where one holds grudges and has unnecessary tensions between teams and individuals, which is absolutely useless.

Virat Kohli

The image of Virat Kohli:

Kohli emphasizes that the game should be distinguished by its quality, although competitiveness and aggressiveness are inherent to the sport. He believes that the “unnecessary material” will filter itself out. Kohli acknowledges that Australia has changed “to some extent”, influenced by the IPL and this year’s perspective. He highlights the mutual respect on the field and expects cricket to remain competitive. Kohli assures that the intensity and competitiveness will be maintained, but without getting personal, as the players are more intelligent and experienced. The goal is to maintain the quality of cricket. Kohli, known for his aggressive style and respected in Australia, responds to the question of whether the players feel vilified. He states that the players do what is necessary for the team, prioritizing the quality of the game and competitiveness. Kohli concludes that, although there will be difficult moments on the field, respect must prevail. Appreciation for the effort of both teams will be shown at the end of each match. The rivalry between India and Australia will remain intense and competitive, but with a focus on fair play and mutual respect. The goal is to maintain the quality of cricket and the excitement that characterizes it.