Team India has decided to enforce a ban on open training sessions for the rest of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series following incidents of poor crowd behavior during their practice session in Adelaide. The decision comes after approximately 5,000 fans gathered to watch the players in the nets, creating distractions with constant chatter, selfie requests, and even mocking some players.
According to a report by The Age, a source close to the BCCI revealed that players had to endure interruptions while practicing, with fans commenting on their actions and occasionally mocking them when mistakes were made.
"A source close to the Board of Control for Cricket in India indicated that players were also subjected to requests for selfies while they were batting, constant commentary of their actions in close proximity and some were mocked or laughed at after missing the ball or getting out. "
In response, the Indian management decided to limit access to their training sessions, allowing only media personnel. A CA spokesperson confirmed this adjustment, saying,
"India have expressed a preference for their remaining training sessions not to be open to the public to minimise potential noise or distractions."
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While no altercations have been reported during this series, Team India remains cautious due to past incidents. In the 2011-12 Australia tour, Rohit Sharma and Praveen Kumar were involved in a heated exchange with a fan during a net session in Melbourne after the player was verbally abused.
Despite the disruptions, some players, including KL Rahul, acknowledged the unusual experience of having such a large crowd for practice sessions. Sharing his thoughts during a press conference, Rahul said,
"Very different. Not used to it. We have practice with crowds but it’s mostly T20 and ODIs back home, we’ve had crowds come in and watch our practice sessions. So it felt a little different but also it adds to your preparation for the Test match and gives us a bit of what we can expect on day one or all the days here in Adelaide, so it was good."
Meanwhile, the Australian team has opted to continue with open training sessions, contrasting with India’s decision.
The second Test match between India and Australia is set to commence on Friday, December 6, at the Adelaide Oval. With a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, Team India will look to maintain their momentum in the day-night encounter.
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