Whenever there’s a series between India and Australia the focus always shifts to the off field activities as the rivalry between the two teams get the best of the players. Sledging has always been a part of this rivalry and the second leg of Australia 2016/17 tour of India is no different. India and Australia will series earlier this year and the two skippers, Virat Kohli and Steve Smith were involved in some intense sledging threatening to be a little personal at times.
In a recent interview, Virender Sehwag suggested how sledging is important for the interest of the game. Although, he said that the line should never be crossed by the players. Being an aggressive opening batsman himself, Sehwag has backed Virat Kohli’s aggressive nature as a captain and feels there will be no joy in cricket if the players do not sledge. Sehwag has known Kohli since his Ranji days as the two played for Delhi together and knows aggression is an important part of Kohli’s game.
Sehwag said, “Sledging is an important part of the game but you should never cross the line. However, if there’s no sledging, there won’t be any enjoyment left in the game.” Sehwag said that sledging should not be personal about the player; he said, “You can sledge about somebody’s technique, bowling action or batting stance but it should not get personal.”
He also defended the way Kohli celebrates, “I think it is Virat Kohli’s aggression which comes out during his celebrations. You can’t call it sledging. And when somebody from the opposition sledges him, he gives it back and it is necessary to give it back. But I feel it should be controlled aggression.”
The monkey gate incidence during India’s 2007/08 tour of Australia raised many questions on where the line should be drawn and major actions were taken to control sledging since then.