Border Gavaskar Trophy: Australian crowds continue to trouble the Indian cricket team

Chaos unfolded during Team India’s open practice session on Tuesday, December 3, as thousands of fans flocked to the nets ahead of the crucial second Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25. Open training sessions are a rarity before international fixtures, but this one saw close to 3,000 spectators gather in Adelaide to catch a glimpse of their favorite cricket stars preparing for the high-stakes day-night Test match. While the initiative was intended to foster fan engagement, the overwhelming crowd disrupted the session. A section of unruly supporters created chaos with chants and distractions, forcing the team’s second session to be held behind closed doors. The disruption reportedly impacted the players’ focus and preparation, prompting swift action from team management.

Border Gavaskar Trophy: Crowds target the Indian cricket team in Adelaide

The pink-ball Test, to be played under lights in Adelaide, is pivotal for both teams in the ongoing series. However, the incident at the nets led the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to lodge a formal protest with Cricket Australia (CA). In response, CA has decided to bar fans entirely from India’s upcoming net sessions, prioritizing player preparation over fan interaction. This incident highlights the challenges of balancing public engagement with the professional needs of players. While the passion of cricket enthusiasts is undeniable, maintaining a conducive environment for teams remains paramount. As India gears up for the Australia vs India Adelaide Test, the team will look to focus on their preparations in a more controlled setting, ensuring they are ready to deliver under pressure.

"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.

A stark contrast emerged in the turnout for the practice sessions of the two teams, with thousands attending Team India’s nets compared to a modest gathering for Australia. This disparity highlighted the immense popularity of the visiting side among local fans. An eyewitness detailed the disruptions caused during India’s session, describing how the overwhelming crowd hindered the players’ focus. Enthusiastic chants and demands from a certain section of supporters turned the atmosphere chaotic, making it difficult for the team to maintain their routine preparations.

The imbalance in crowd management not only underscored the challenges of open practice sessions but also impacted the team’s readiness for the India vs Australia crucial day-night Test in Adelaide. This prompted swift action from authorities, ensuring future sessions would remain closed to the public to allow the players to train in a controlled environment.

"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.

Indian cricketer KL Rahul shared his perspective on the open practice session in Adelaide, which drew an unexpectedly large crowd. Rahul noted that such enthusiastic turnouts are usually seen in India, especially during ODI or T20I series, highlighting the massive fan following Team India enjoys worldwide. He expressed optimism that the upcoming Adelaide Test would witness significant support for the Indian team, further energizing the players in the day-night encounter.

On the cricketing front, the practice session offered valuable insights into the players’ preparations. Shubman Gill looked in fine touch, demonstrating composure against the pacers and leaving fans impressed with his technique. Skipper Rohit Sharma, returning after missing the series opener due to personal commitments—the birth of his second child with Ritika Sajdeh—was seen dedicating extended time to playing spin. His focus on spin suggested a strategic approach to tackling Australia’s bowling attack, which has posed challenges on turning tracks in the past. The high-intensity training session served as a crucial tune-up for Team India ahead of the Adelaide Test. With key players gearing up and significant crowd support anticipated, the stage is set for an exciting continuation of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Adelaide.