The just-concluded Border-Gavaskar series was undoubtedly one of the most fiercely-fought series in recent times but unfortunately it made more headlines for other things rather than the top-class cricket on display and the Decision Review System (DRS) was certainly on them.
Starting from the much talked about the controversy in the Bengaluru Test when Australia skipper Steve Smith was caught red-handed seeking inputs from the dressing-room on referrals to the struggles of both the teams in using their reviews correctly, the DRS was one of the most talked about topics during the four-match series. In fact, it has caused such a stir, that even the politicians from both the countries are using it as an analogy during their meetings.
In one such incident, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (April 10) used the analogy between the series and his meeting with his Australian counterpart Malcolm Turnbull beautifully and said that the decision taken during the meetings are not “subject to DRS.”
“In a lighter vein I am, of course, glad that our decisions are not subject to the D.R.S. Review system,” Mr Modi said.
Mr Modi also praised both the teams for playing out the series in such a competitive manner and also lauded Virat Kohli and his Australia counterpart Steve Smith for being the torch-bearers of the game.
Before the four-match series had begun, nobody gave Steve Smith’s men of putting up a good fight against the world number side let alone winning any match. However, the team from Down Under exceeded all the expectations, giving their fancied opponents a run for their money before losing the series 2-1.
The visitors began the series with a bang by inflicting a heavy 333-run on Virat Kohli’s men. In the following Test at Bengaluru, they had India on the mat but the hosts staged a remarkable comeback to win the match by 75 runs. In the next Test at Ranchi, Australia once again showed they would not give up easily as Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell batted out of their skin on a fifth-day pitch to salvage a draw before losing the final Test in Dharamsala.
“Just last month, we witnessed a thrilling conclusion to the Border-Gavaskar trophy,” Mr Modi said.
“In my speech at the Australian Parliament in 2014, I had spoken of legendary Bradman and Tendulkar. Today, Virat Kohli in India and Steven Smith in Australia are shaping the young brigades of cricket,” he added.
Referring to Smith’s haul of 499 runs in the series, Mr Modi further said,“I hope your visit to India is as productive as it has been for Steven Smith’s batting, the other Australian Captain.”
Well, it’s nice to see such eminent personalities talking about those ugly incidents of the series in a lighter manner. Kohli was severely criticised by the Australian media and players for his conducts during the series but this will hopefully bring an end to all the bad blood.