No limits to the off-field antics: Australia media peddles false claims against Ravindra Jadeja

There are several reasons why the Australia tour presents a significant challenge for the Indian contingent. It's not just the spicy pitches and lethal pacers lined up in the schedule for the visitors. The Indian squad must contend with many factors working against them, both on and off the field. While cricket remains the gentlemen's game, the Australian media is testing the grit of the touring players and their support staff in unimaginable ways. First, the interaction involving India's stalwart Virat Kohli was presented in a crooked manner, exaggerated many times over from what actually transpired. Now, it's all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja at their target. The Australian reporters have dipped their hands into mud aiming to sling it unnecessarily at players who are simply focused on their primary objective, playing the five-match Border Gavaskar Trophy.

Two truths and a lie? More like all lies from the Kangaroos: Australian media targets Ravindra Jadeja after Virat Kohli

The Indian squad has taken to the MCG grounds to prepare for the Boxing Day Test, the fourth fixture of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja addressed the media on Saturday and answered several significant questions. However, the Australian media has now portrayed the interaction as a hostile one. The overseas media alleged that Jadeja "refused" to speak in English and instead answered in his "native" language.

Furthermore, the reporters claimed that, despite being invited to the press conference, the Indian media head only allowed Indian reporters to ask questions. Lastly, members of the Australian media alleged that Jadeja declined to respond to their queries, citing that the Indian team bus was leaving, before departing. Channel 7 reported that their reporters, who had "traveled all the way" and were "invited," were left confused by what they described as a "strange and frosty" media session at the MCG.

However, their claims have been debunked by the Indian reporters present at the MCG. Reportedly, Jadeja spoke in Hindi because the reporters questioned him in the same language. Moreover, the all-rounder never mentioned anything about the team bus leaving. As for the Australian media receiving the 'invite,' the presser was primarily organized for the Indian media, and the communication regarding it was shared exclusively in the WhatsApp group of the Indian press. However, a CA representative informed the Australian media about the event.

From the sources present at the ground, it has come to light that the behavior of some Australian journalists became increasingly inappropriate, as they rudely instructed their cameramen to continue recording their conversation with the Indian media manager, crossing the line into aggression. This incident occurred shortly after Channel 7 breached the privacy of Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli, filming him and his children at the Melbourne airport without his consent. 

Kohli spoke to the media present there, asking them not to capture his kids. However, the rather subdued conversation has been portrayed by the Australian media as a 'fiery' standoff. Furthermore, the aggressive coverage suggesting that Kohli lost his temper during a heated exchange with a female reporter on the same channel has raised doubts. According to an Indian journalist traveling with the team, Kohli remained calm, politely requesting that the footage not be used without permission and even shaking hands with the cameraman once he was reassured.

While Australia continues with their vile tactics, India is gearing up for the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. It is not uncommon for the touring side to face harsh treatment in the Kangaroos' den. The ongoing series, with three matches completed, has delivered high-octane drama. From the crowd booing Indian fielders to DRS calls 'unintentionally' favoring the home team due to inconclusive evidence, India has endured it all. The five-match series is currently tied at 1-1.