The rivalry between India and Australia, known for its intensity, has undergone a notable evolution in recent years. From tense moments and provocations on the field, it has moved to a more respectful relationship, although without sacrificing competitiveness.
In the past, clashes between both teams were marked by episodes such as Shikhar Dhawan mocking an injured Shane Watson in 2013 and David Warner acting as a provocateur in 2014-15. There was a time when the rivalry almost came to blows, but the situation changed.
The 2018-19 series seemed destined to be the most contentious, but the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town marked a turning point. This gave way to a friendlier atmosphere, with friendly banter instead of the usual hostility.
An example of this change was seen when Virat Kohli, India’s captain, asked fans to stop booing Steven Smith, who was returning to the field after a suspension.
Before the start of the 2020-21 test series, the question was whether this mutual respect would compromise the intensity of the matches. Kohli, when asked about the reasons for this improvement in relations, attributed the change to the time players spend together in the IPL, which allows them to get to know each other better.
“I think 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”.
Virat KohliFurthermore, Australia has recognized the need to improve its behavior, seeking a balance between competitiveness and sportsmanship. Kohli also highlighted that the pandemic has led people to re-evaluate their priorities, eliminating unnecessary tensions.
The Indian captain emphasized that, although aggression and competitiveness will remain on the field, unnecessary hostility has been filtered out. He believes there is more respect between the teams, hoping that cricket will remain competitive.
Kohli believes that players are more intelligent and mature, which allows them to make more accurate decisions to maintain the quality of the game.Virat Kohli: “La apreciación por el rendimiento o la valentía y el carácter de alguien llega al final de los cinco días, eso es lo que creo”Kohli, known for his combative attitude, is respected in Australia. When asked if the players felt vilified for their performance, he responded that the players understand what is required for the team, focusing on progress. He emphasized that, although the game is competitive and high-voltage, disrespect will not be allowed.
In summary, Kohli expects competitive and high-intensity cricket, but without unnecessary hostilities. The essence of Test cricket is maintained, with competition on the field and respect at the end of the five days.
