Why India restricted access to practice sessions: Rohit Sharma explains
What's the story
Indian cricket team captain, Rohit Sharma, has explained why fans have been banned from watching the squad's practice sessions in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under.
He stressed that these practice sessions are confidential and shouldn't be disturbed by public interference.
Notably, the Indian team's training sessions were earlier open for spectators, which led to an unanticipated chaos.
Confidentiality concern
Rohit highlights importance of privacy during training
Speaking at a press conference, Rohit emphasized on the need for privacy in their training sessions.
He said, "You know, the net sessions are very private, and this was the first time ever I saw so many people during the nets."
He added that these sessions include strategic discussions which they like to keep under wraps.
Match invitation
Rohit invites fans to Test matches instead
Rohit jokingly said fans should come to see the official five-day Test matches instead of training sessions.
"There's a lot of talking that happens. And the crowds are very close to that practice facility. There are five days of Test cricket. They can come and watch us there," he said at the press conference.
This was in response to fans storming their practice sessions in Australia.
Communication update
Indian team management informs Cricket Australia about decision
After the chaos created by fans at the training session, the Indian team management has told Cricket Australia that they won't be holding open practice sessions anymore.
The decision was taken after several fans thronged to see Team India train, resulting in a ruckus.
The incident was a departure from the norm in Australia where training sessions are usually open to the public.
Player's perspective
KL Rahul shares his experience of open net session
Indian batter KL Rahul also shared his experience of the open net session in Adelaide.
He called it a unique experience and confessed that he wasn't used to having fans so close during practice sessions.
Responding to the Indian team's concerns, a Cricket Australia spokesperson later confirmed that future practice sessions will be held in private.
Information
Australia level series in Adelaide
The 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy is heating up as Australia bounced back to win the 2nd Test in Adelaide. The home side won their eighth Day/Night Test on the bounce. The series is now leveled at 1-1, with India winning the opener in Perth.