Kohli: India vs Australia, Less Tension, More High-Voltage Cricket

The India-Australia Rivalry: Goodbye to Hostility?

The history of the rivalry between India and Australia in cricket has been marked by moments of great tension and controversy. From on-field provocations to verbal battles, intensity has always been a key component of their clashes. However, it seems that something has changed. The 2018-19 series, which promised to be the most conflictive, took an unexpected turn. The ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town marked a turning point. In last year’s World Cup, Virat Kohli, captain of India, asked fans to stop booing Steven Smith, demonstrating a change in attitude. Before the first Test of the 2020-21 series, the question is whether this new respect between both teams will compromise the intensity of the matches. Kohli, when asked about the improved relationships, attributed this change to several factors, including the increasing interaction of the players in the IPL and the maturity of those involved.

“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 tension between teams and individuals, which is absolutely useless.”
Virat Kohli

Australia has recognized the need to improve its behavior, seeking a balance between competitiveness and fair play. Kohli highlighted that the game remains intense, but the unnecessary has been filtered out, promoting greater respect between both teams. The captain also emphasized the importance of maintaining the quality of cricket and competitiveness, predicting that the rivalry will remain intense, but without becoming personal.

Virat Kohli: “La apreciación por el desempeño de alguien o la valentía y el carácter de alguien llega al final de los cinco días, eso es lo que creo”

Kohli, admired in Australia for his attitude, believes that the players are learning to make better decisions and to prioritize the quality of the game. He emphasized that, while competition is inevitable, the intention is to avoid disrespect, valuing the quality of cricket and sportsmanship. The essence of Test cricket, according to Kohli, lies in the intensity on the field and mutual appreciation at the end of the five days. The rivalry between India and Australia promises to remain competitive, but with a more mature and respectful approach.