The Indian cricket team’s practice sessions in Australia will no longer be open to fans, following a formal complaint from the team management to Cricket Australia on December 3. During a recent session in Adelaide, a group of fans disrupted the practice by heckling the players and persistently demanding sixes and fours, which left the team visibly displeased.
India Today has learned that the Indian team raised concerns about fans being in such close proximity during their practice, citing the potential for unnecessary distractions. Cricket Australia, responding promptly to the concerns, has decided to conduct the remaining practice sessions behind closed doors for the rest of the tour.
A CA spokesperson confirmed to The Age on December 4 that this adjustment aims to ensure an undisturbed training environment for the visiting team. “India have expressed a preference for their remaining training sessions not to be open to the public to minimise potential noise or distractions,” the spokesperson said.
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KL Rahul, addressing reporters in Adelaide, shared his thoughts on the unusual experience of having fans present during practice. While he acknowledged the novelty, he emphasized it was something the team was not accustomed to.
Virat Kohli facing Jasprit Bumrah in nets 🐐🔥 pic.twitter.com/5X6aASTjyv
— Virat Kohli Fan Club (@Trend_VKohli) December 3, 2024
“It was very different. We are not used to fans being in such close proximity during practice,” he noted. KL Rahul added that while open practice sessions are common during limited-overs formats in India, having spectators during Test match preparations felt out of place.
🚨 BIG BREAKING 🚨
JEALOUS ROHIT SHARMA REQUESTED CRICKET AUSTRALIA TO NOT ALLOW PUBLIC IN INDIA’S PRACTICE SESSION AFTER HEARING NON STOP KOHLI KOHLI CHANTS FOR 6 HOURS YESTERDAY pic.twitter.com/TTyDEksogg https://t.co/wFz6RdKAJw
— Aarav (@sigma__male_) December 4, 2024
Another video from Adelaide where certain section of fans chanted ‘Chokli’ on face of Virat Kohli. 😭😭
Reason why BCCI banned fans from net session. pic.twitter.com/U4TISggVPQ
— Prathmesh. (@45Fan_Prathmesh) December 4, 2024
“However, it does simulate the noise and energy we might experience during the actual match, so it was a useful challenge,” KL Rahul added, reflecting on the positives.
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Meanwhile, skipper Rohit Sharma was under scrutiny during training as batting coach Abhishek Nayar closely observed his footwork. Rohit, who missed the opening Test of the series, appeared focused as he prepared to regain rhythm ahead of the crucial matches. The team management remains committed to ensuring players have a conducive environment to fine-tune their skills, particularly given the high stakes of an Australia tour.
