Team India skipper Rohit Sharma shed light on the decision to ban fans from attending the team’s practice sessions during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 in Australia. Explaining the move, Rohit emphasized the need to safeguard the team’s strategies, calling practice sessions a “private affair.”
The decision came after an incident during the Adelaide training session, where an estimated 5,000 spectators turned up. The crowd’s noise and frequent requests for selfies disrupted the players’ focus. To maintain concentration and protect tactical discussions, the team management decided to conduct closed-door sessions for the remainder of the series.
Speaking to the media, Rohit Sharma elaborated on the importance of maintaining privacy during training. “Net sessions are very private. A lot of strategic conversations happen during that time, and we can’t risk those details being overheard. This was the first time I’ve ever seen such a large crowd at nets. It became essential to ensure that these discussions stayed within the team,” he explained.
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In a lighter vein, Rohit Sharma encouraged fans to channel their enthusiasm toward the actual matches instead of practice sessions. “There’s a lot of Test cricket to watch over five days. Fans should come to the games and cheer for us there,” he quipped.
Rohit Sharma speaks about India’s net sessions, which garnered a huge crowd in Adelaide 🗣️#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/4tivXzwy3O
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 9, 2024
Vice-captain KL Rahul also reflected on the open net session experience in Adelaide, calling it unique but unfamiliar. The close proximity of fans during practice created an unusual environment for the players. Responding to India’s concerns, Cricket Australia confirmed that future practice sessions would be private, ensuring better conditions for the visiting team.
Australia, meanwhile, made a strong comeback in the series by clinching the second Test in Adelaide with a commanding 10-wicket victory, levelling the five-match series at 1-1. The pink-ball Test concluded in just two-and-a-half days, leaving India with much to ponder ahead of the third Test.
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As the teams prepare to face off at the Gabba in Brisbane on December 14, Rohit and his squad will look to regroup and reclaim the series lead. With the World Test Championship Final qualification on the line, every match holds immense importance, and India will aim for a resounding comeback.
