Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra recently unveiled a surprising incident from the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, shedding light on tensions within the Indian cricket team during the Perth Test. The story involves a heated on-field altercation between Indian fast bowler Ishant Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, a moment that sparked controversy both within the team and among cricket fans.
Aakash Chopra explained how the Australian broadcasters played a role in blowing this incident out of proportion. While commentating for Channel 7 during the series, Chopra noticed that the broadcasters amplified the microphone volume during the altercation, seemingly with the intent to create unnecessary drama. This tactic by the Australian media aimed to embroider the issue, making it appear far more serious than it actually was.
Chopra recalled that former Australian captain Ricky Ponting added fuel to the fire by harshly criticizing the Indian team after the incident. What surprised Chopra the most was how Ponting’s tone changed from their private conversation to his public commentary.
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“They 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,” Aakash Chopra said during a podcast on the 2 Sloggers YouTube channel.
“The broadcasters amped up the stump mic as they were abusing each other. They cut the clip and shared it with the press in front of me. After that, when we were talking off the field, I was like, ‘What are we trying to achieve because it’s nothing?’ Then Ricky was there with us, and he said, ‘making a mountain out of a molehill.’ The moment he went into the air, he tore into the Indian team, and I was stunned that he had just said something else a few minutes back.”
Despite these distractions, Virat Kohli’s Indian team made history by becoming the first Asian side to win a Test series on Australian soil, clinching a 2-1 victory. Kohli’s aggressive approach and the team’s resilience rattled the Australians, marking a significant milestone for Indian cricket.
Chopra further revealed that his experience in Australia changed his perspective on commentary. He learned that when India plays in Australia, it’s not just a match against the team on the field, but also a battle with the entire nation’s media. “Channel 7 called me to present India’s case. I said there is no team where players have no disagreements; it’s a game played by adults,” he recounted. However, the following day, the Australian press sensationalized the incident, with front-page headlines suggesting internal conflict within the Indian team.
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Reflecting on the episode, Aakash Chopra concluded, “Then, I understood that you should leave the neutral commentary when you are playing against Australia in Australia and then understand that the flag of India is more important.” This incident made him realize that neutrality can sometimes be difficult, especially when navigating the intricate dynamics of India vs. Australia cricket.
Through his candid revelations, Aakash Chopra highlighted the challenges Indian players face not just on the field, but also against a media machine eager to exploit internal team tensions for sensational stories.
