The Border-Gavaskar Trophy’s second Test in Adelaide has been clouded by controversy as Indian players faced unruly behavior from the crowd during an open practice session. Reports of heckling, body-shaming, and disruptive behavior by fans have led the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to cancel all open practice sessions for the remainder of the series, prioritizing the players’ mental well-being and focus. ‘Virat Kohli asked, can I get my girlfriend? Board isn’t allowing…’: Shastri’s unheard BCCI call over Anushka Sharma
Chaos at Open Practice Session
On Tuesday, nearly 3,000 fans gathered at the nets to watch the Indian cricket team prepare with the pink ball for the upcoming day-night Test. Unlike typical practice sessions, which are closed to the public, this one was open to local Adelaide fans. However, the large turnout quickly turned chaotic.
Players were inundated with selfie requests and subjected to insensitive comments, making it challenging for them to concentrate. A senior BCCI official stated,
“It was complete chaos. No one expected so many fans to turn up. During the Australian training session, not more than 70-odd people attended, but during India’s session, 3,000 came.”
Several players, including captain Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, were targeted with rude remarks. An eyewitness reported that some fans badgered the players to hit sixes, passed comments on fitness, and urged cricketers to engage in personal interactions. Virat Kohli and Shubman Gill narrowly avoided being mobbed due to the crowd’s sheer size.
BCCI Reacts: Open Sessions Cancelled
The BCCI swiftly responded to the incidents by barring public access to practice sessions for the rest of the series. A senior official highlighted the players’ disturbance, saying,
“The entire situation could have been handled better. Public won’t be allowed access to training sessions anymore, although the media can still attend.”
This decision aligns with protecting players’ focus ahead of high-pressure matches, particularly with the day-night Test in Adelaide—a venue where Australia has an unbeaten record in pink-ball cricket.
Team India Prepares for Adelaide Challenge
Despite the disruptions, Team India continued their preparations on Wednesday with a two-and-a-half-hour session. Shubman Gill, who missed the Perth Test due to a hairline fracture, practiced confidently against pacers and spinners, signaling his return to the playing XI. Captain Rohit Sharma, fresh from the birth of his second child, is also expected to rejoin the team, although speculation suggests he might bat lower in the order.
KL Rahul, reflecting on the noisy practice session, shared,
“It was very different. Practicing in front of crowds is usual for T20Is or ODIs back home, but this felt unique. It added to our preparation for what we might expect during the Test.”
India heads into the Adelaide Test with a 1-0 lead, having secured a record 295-run victory in Perth. However, facing Australia under lights in their stronghold remains a formidable challenge.