From the high points of the rivalry between India and Australia, with episodes like Shikhar Dhawan mocking an injured Shane Watson in 2013, to the designation of David Warner as the “official provocateur” on the 2014-15 tour, the intensity on the field of play has been a constant. The history of these teams has been marked by verbal and physical confrontations, even after the tragic death of Phillip Hughes.In the past, the tension between India and Australia reached extreme levels. However, after the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town, something changed.The 2018-19 series was characterized by a friendlier atmosphere. During last year’s World Cup, India’s captain, Virat Kohli, even 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 arises as to whether mutual respect will affect the intensity of the game. Virat Kohli, on the eve of the first Test in Adelaide, attributed the change to the players’ coexistence in the IPL and the maturity of the protagonists.
After the incident in Cape Town, Australia has recognized the need to improve its behavior, seeking a balance between competitiveness and fair play. Furthermore, this year has led to reflection on priorities and the elimination of unnecessary tensions.
“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. You are still going to be professional and make sure you are positive and aggressive in your body language and the way you go about things on the field.”
Virat KohliVirat Kohli: “La apreciación por el desempeño de alguien o por su coraje y carácter llega al final de los cinco días, eso es lo que creo”Kohli has also highlighted the importance of the quality of cricket over personal clashes. He acknowledges that, although the competition will remain intense, the unnecessary has been filtered out. There is more respect between the teams, and he hopes that cricket will remain competitive.The Indian captain emphasizes that the game will remain competitive and high-voltage, with emotions running high. However, he expects smarter decisions and for the quality of cricket to be maintained. Kohli is highly respected in Australia for his attitude, which makes him a very “un-Australian” Australian.When questioned about media perception, Kohli states that the players understand they must give their best for their team, maintaining the dignity of the sport and competing at the highest level. He emphasizes that appreciation for the effort of both teams comes at the end of the five days, without taking anything off the field.In short, the rivalry between India and Australia remains intense but fair. The essence of high-level cricket.
