Star cricketers Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were visibly displeased with the conduct of fans during India’s practice session at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) nets ahead of the Boxing Day Test.
According to reports, the persistent demands and unruly behavior of supporters disrupted their focus, with some fans even demanding specific shots to be played, causing frustration for the senior players.
Both Kohli and Sharma expressed their disappointment over the interruptions and were reportedly unsettled during and after the session.
Despite this, the two batters displayed solid form in the nets, engaging in intense practice sessions to improve their personal performances for the team’s success in the crucial match. Other team members also put in significant effort, gearing up for what is shaping up to be a series-decider.
This incident follows the Indian team’s decision to close practice sessions to fans after the first Test in Perth. Reports earlier suggested that a small group of fans had directed abusive remarks at certain players, which did not sit well with Rohit Sharma and the team management.
For India to maintain their hopes of clinching the series, Kohli and Sharma will need to step up. Kohli, despite a century in the second innings of the first Test, has been inconsistent in the series.
Sharma, who missed the first Test due to family commitments, has struggled to find his rhythm since returning to the middle order.
With the series tied at 1-1, the Boxing Day Test at the MCG is pivotal. The venue hasn’t been particularly favorable for India historically, with eight losses in 14 matches.
However, the team can draw confidence from their remarkable eight-wicket victory at the MCG during the 2020-21 series, which marked a memorable comeback. As the decider looms, all eyes will be on India’s star players to deliver under pressure.