Ravindra Jadeja during a press conference© YouTube
The row between Indian players and media and Australian media over Indian players answering questions only in Hindi and to Indian media has escalated significantly, and it all started when all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja did not answer questions in English during an on-field press conference. on Saturday. Jadeja reportedly arrived late to the interrogation and left without answering a question in English. However, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has defended Jadeja and stated that there should be no problem if a player chooses to answer only in Hindi.
“What's wrong if the player wants to give an interview in Hindi?” placed Pathan on X.
What's wrong if the player wants to give an interview in Hindi?
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) December 22, 2024
An Australian reporter could be heard declaring that the entire situation was “disorganized and hopeless” after Jadeja left without answering any questions in English.
The row at the press conference also spilled over into Sunday, with Indian pacer Akash Deep not answering questions in English. The fact that Akash Deep – a player who does not speak English – was sent to attend the media meeting was described by Australian news channel Channel 7 as a “crystal clear message” from Team India to the Australian media.
The row over the incidents has grown so bad that a pre-scheduled T20 friendly match between media personnel from India and Australia, organized by Cricket Australia, has been cancelled.
The Australian media has been in the bad books of the Indian players since Virat Kohli confronted a reporter and cameraman for taking photos and videos of his family. The recent argument at the press conference has only made matters worse.
With the series tied at 1-1, with two Tests to go and a place in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at stake, these incidents have only heightened emotions.
India will take on Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in the Boxing Day Test from December 26.
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