With the cricketers getting too friendly, the Indo-Aussie rivalry seems to have faded away.
The 'Spirit of the Game' talks seems to have taken over the players' minds as they are seen indulging in cheeky interactions with the opposition rather than having a bit of banter. The IPL surely is a big reason for the friendships among cricketers but that is gradually taking the zing out of national rivalries.
Former Indian cricketer Zaheer Khan, who has had a couple of not-so-friendly interactions during his playing career, wants Team India to get into that zone again. He has suggested that the Indian players need to get a bit aggressive to get the best out of themselves.
AUS v IND 2020-21: WATCH – ‘Hope David Warner remains injured, it will help us’, quips KL Rahul
Khan said on Cricbuzz Live, "Knowing the coach Ravi Shastri, he should take a leaf out of old school cricket and maybe remind Smith and Warner about what has happened a couple of years back (Sandpapergate). At times when things aren’t going your way you just have to find something to bring out that intensity."
"They have to pick that fight maybe. Not in a bad way (but) staying in the boundaries and bringing out that intensity at times. Forget about what is going your way, what’s not, and just get in the zone, which really helps bring out the best in you, " he added.
Here is one of the incidents that saw the players getting friendly on-field:
KL Rahul just checking on Aaron Finch after getting hit by a full toss ???? #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/lb9Kzthisl
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 29, 2020
Zaheer Khan also believes that Team India coach Ravi Shastri knows how to get the Indians fired up against their counterparts.
He said, "Ravi has been good at it so I think that’s something he should definitely ponder because it’s going to be a long tour... they should try everything and anything possible."
Team India will lock horns against Australia for the 3rd ODI on Wednesday, December 2.
(With inputs from News18)