AUS vs IND: Indian players body-shamed by mob in Adelaide during open net session

AUS vs IND- Indian players body-shamed by mob in Adelaide during open net session (Source: X/Twitter)

Utter disorder prevailed during Team India’s open practice session on Tuesday, December 3. Usually, practice sessions prior to an international fixture are not open for public observation. Notably, on December 3, close to 3,000 fans attended the open net session in a bid to see their favourite cricket stars practicing for the upcoming second Test in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2024-25).

For the unversed, Australia and India will clash in Adelaide in a day-night Test match which will be played with the pink ball. The disruption stirred up by a certain group of so-called supporters forced India’s second session to take place behind closed doors. In the aftermath of the incident, after the Indian board (BCCI) registered their protest with Cricket Australia, fans have been barred completely from attending the future net sessions of Team India.

“Yes, the training will not be accessible to the general public now. The players were heckled during the open session on Tuesday. So many selfie requests when players are trying to prepare for the crucial series. The entire situation could have been dealt with better. Public won’t be allowed access to training sessions, however, media can come and see the players train,” a source close to the developments was quoted as per Hindustan Times.

“It was complete chaos. During the Australian training session, not more than 70-odd people turned up but during India’s session, 3000 came. No one expected so many fans to turn up. There was another fans’ day in Sydney (ahead of the fifth Test), which stands cancelled as players were very disturbed by the rude and insensitive comments that were passed (here),” a senior BCCI official stated regarding the incident.

There was a polarising contrast in terms of the number of people who had shown up for both sides’ respective sessions. Furthermore, an eyewitness added further specifics of the hindrances triggered during the practice session.

“Virat (Kohli) and Shubman Gill could have been mobbed because of so many people. Some were doing a Facebook live with friends and talking loudly just as the batter took stance. One supporter continuously urged a player to say ‘hi’ to him in Gujarati. Another particular cricketer was body-shamed,” the onlooker revealed.

This felt a little different but also added to our preparation for the Test match: Rahul

Indian cricketer, KL Rahul, expressed his take on the practice session which was open to the localities to witness. He said that usually, such large crowds turn up only in India when Team India plays an ODI or a T20I series. Hence, Rhaul believes that during the Adelaide Test, a large number of fans are expected to turn up in support of the Indian team.

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“It was very different. We have practised in front of crowds but that has generally been ahead of T20Is or ODIs back home. This felt a little different but also added to our preparation for the Test match. It gave us a little idea of what we might expect on Day 1 or through the five days of the Test match,” observed Rahul.

Shifting focus to the cricketing action which transpired during the open practice session, Shubman Gill looked comfortable against the pacers. Skipper, Rohit Sharma, who had missed the series opener to attend to his wife, Ritika Sajdeh, for the birth of their second child, was spotted playing spin for long durations.