Language Debate Heats Up Between Indian Players and Australian Media

 

Tensions between Indian players and the Australian media have intensified after Ravindra Jadeja chose to respond only to questions in Hindi during a recent press conference. The incident occurred after the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where Jadeja reportedly arrived late and exited the session without addressing queries in English.

 

The decision sparked criticism from the Australian media, with one journalist calling the situation "disorganized and hopeless." Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan, however, defended Jadeja, stating, "What's wrong if a player prefers to speak in Hindi?"

 

The row escalated further when Indian pacer Akash Deep, who doesn’t speak English fluently, also refrained from answering English questions during a subsequent press conference. Some Australian outlets interpreted this as a deliberate message from Team India.

 

The controversy even led to the cancellation of a planned friendly T20 match between Indian and Australian media teams, organized by Cricket Australia. This comes against the backdrop of strained relations between Indian players and the Australian press, which began earlier in the series when Virat Kohli confronted journalists for invading his family's privacy.

 

With the series tied 1-1 and two crucial Tests remaining, emotions are running high. India and Australia will next face off in the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with both teams vying for a spot in the World Test Championship final.