Team India’s upcoming tour of Australia in 2024 for a five-match Test series has sparked concerns about the potential for targeted attacks on the team by opposition players and the local media. Former India batter Aakash Chopra has revealed disturbing incidents from India’s previous tour in 2018/19, highlighting the tactics employed to tarnish the image of the visiting team.
Chopra shared an incident involving Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, who had a heated exchange during a match. The Australian media, according to Chopra, amplified the stump mic audio and released inconclusive clips to the press, creating a negative narrative around the Indian team.
“They (Australian media) used to release videos. They did it in front of me when Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja had a heated exchange with each other while standing in the 30-yard circle. The broadcasters amped up the stump mic as they were abusing each other,” Chopra said.
Chopra also revealed that Ricky Ponting, who was in the commentary box, initially condemned the incident but later changed his stance on-air. “Ricky said they are ‘Making a mountain out of a molehill’. The moment he went on air, he tore into the Indian team, and I was stunned that he had just said something else a few minutes back,” Chopra added.
These revelations raise concerns about the potential for similar tactics to be employed during the upcoming tour. India has enjoyed a dominant run in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, winning the last two series in Australia and becoming the only Asian team to win a Test series Down Under on multiple occasions.
However, the Aussies are eager to regain their dominance and may resort to underhanded tactics to gain an advantage. The Indian team must be prepared for such challenges and maintain their focus on the game.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy has always been a fiercely contested rivalry, but it is important to ensure that the competition remains fair and respectful. The Australian media and opposition players have a responsibility to uphold the spirit of the game and avoid engaging in tactics that could damage the reputation of the Indian team or the sport itself.
