Australia vs India 2020-21: It’s Never Fun To See: Ajit Agarkar Points Out The Lack Of Competitiveness In The Ongoing Tour
Dec 14, 2020 at 12:07 PM
The rivalry between India and Australia has grown to be fierce and intensive with the years passing by. Banter and verbal fights are common sights when these two teams are in the cricket field. But the same has not been seen in ongoing India’s tour of Australia. The two teams have been seen exchanging smiles and being friendly. This has not gone down well for many former cricketers of both sides.
Ajit Agarkar, former Indian pacer, has also weighed on it. Like others, he has also reasoned that the Indian Premier League (IPL), whose 13th season concluded recently, has got these players together which has alleviated the rivalry.
Ajit Agarkar revealed that Australia’s great McGrath, who was with the former Indian cricketer in the commentary box, was also disgusted to see the unusual friendly behaviour during the limited-overs leg. He iterated that there should be more competitiveness in the field.
“It seems that way,” Agarkar said on the Sony Sports Network when asked if the India-Australia series has been too friendly. “IPL has made the situation between teams better. But it’s never fun to see. Watching the white-ball leg, it was killing Glenn McGrath. I have played a series against him and although I don’t remember him sledging much, there was always some or the other form of talking. You can feel it… there doesn’t need to be many things spoken and the competitiveness could still be there.”
I don’t think there is anything wrong with a bit of chirping: Ajit Agarkar
Ajit Agarkar reckoned that India was seen as dominant in Australia tour 2018-19 because Virat Kohli and co. were not shy to give replies and banter. He believes that verbal confrontation will lift the spirit of the tour.
“At times, it is a bit friendly. I know it’s different with every individual and what works for you, you should try and do, but you still want to see that competitiveness,” Agarkar said. “I think that’s what got India over the line in the previous series and how well they played. You could see Virat Kohli there and as long as it doesn’t get out of hands, I don’t think there is anything wrong with a bit of chirping,”Ajit Agarkar maintained.
The much-awaited four-match Test series will begin with the pink ball Test in Adelaide on January 18 while the last three Tests will be played in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane respectively.