Although the Border-Gavaskar Trophy of five Test matches between India and Australia has ended, it has left behind many bitter experiences. Australia has won this series by defeating India 3-1 in the last and fifth match. Throughout the series, players from both countries clashed with each other on several occasions. India’s leading batsman Virat Kohli was fined for indiscipline. This trophy is held in the name of the great cricketers of Australia and India, Allan Border and Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar was present during the series and was also seen doing commentary. He was also present during the final Test in Sydney but he was neglected when the trophy was given to the winning team and this ceremony was conducted by Alan Border alone. Gavaskar later expressed displeasure on this and the Australian Cricket Board also admitted its mistake.
Fans and cricket experts are seeing this incident as an insult to the spirit of the game. It is incomprehensible to ignore the player in whose name the trophy is being held. The Australian board could have avoided such a mistake. There is no point in apologizing later. Gavaskar has also said that he doesn’t care which team won, Australia played better and won the series. Most of them are now connecting it with the many conflicts between the players of both the parties. During the series, the players of the visiting team were harassed many times by the spectators with comments and gestures. Not only the players, the fans also faced each other many times and racial comments were also seen and heard. Sports are considered a symbol of discipline and community and this kind of behavior only spoils the reputation of the host country. Controlling emotions and treating opponents with respect is an expression of sportsmanship.
There was a lack of discipline in the Indian cricket team too, to which many senior players reacted openly. After the excellent victory in the first match, the performance of the team continued to warm up, which will now need to be churned. Test cricket is a variant of the game where the true ability of the player is tested. Keeping in mind the state of cricket in India and the expectations of the fans, the team will have to make necessary improvements. Winning and losing is part of the game but it is your attitude and respect towards the players of the other team that matters. Only by maintaining this spirit can the real objectives of sports be fulfilled.
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