Prior to the India Pink Ball Test in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the team has made the decision to limit public access to their training sessions. This effectively puts a stop to the brief open practice experiment that attracted thousands of South African spectators.
Nearly 5,000 fans flocked to the Adelaide training ground to watch the Indian stars in action. Cricket Australia’s attempt to engage certain fans swiftly devolved into a scenario that made the visitors feel increasingly uneasy.
The open training session exposed athletes to a demanding and intrusive fan experience. The nets were flanked by supporters, making it difficult for players to practise for the important pink-ball Test match.
“Chauka maar” (hit a four) and “chakkar maar” (hit a six) were among the shouts that the supporters requesting. A few athletes even voiced their displeasure about the disparaging comments made regarding their play during net sessions.
Very dissimilar. Not accustomed to it: KL. Rahul.
KL Rahul acknowledged the strange experience, pointing out that preparations for Test cricket were different from white-ball cricket and the Indian Premier League, where they are used to large crowds.
“Very different” (attendee practice sessions). I’m not accustomed to it. Crowds have participated in our practice sessions, but they have largely been for T20 and ODI matches back home. It was excellent, KL Rahul told reporters on Wednesday, December 4.
“It felt a little different, but it also helped you prepare for the test match and gave us a bit of what we can expect on day one or all the days here in Adelaide.”
The closeness of supporters to the players raised serious worries, according to a source close to the club. A CA spokeswoman told The Age that India has indicated a desire to keep their remaining training sessions private in order to reduce any possible noise or disruptions.
The rigorous strategy that India first used in Perth, where training sessions were hidden from the public eye with huge black hessian covers, will be the model for their future. The public will not be permitted to attend the subsequent training sessions in Sydney and Brisbane; only members of the media will be permitted entry.
India
