It is rare for an Indian tour of Australia to end without controversy. More often than not, Team India’s tour ‘Down Under’ creates some new stir in one way or another. Saturday, Indian all-rounder Ravindra JadejaA chat with journalists in Melbourne led to a huge controversy, with the player being criticized for not answering questions from Australian media in English. Several extravagant allegations were made against Jadeja while the team’s media manager reportedly committed the wrongdoing. Several Australian media outlets published reports alleging that Mr Jadeja did not cooperate during the press conference.
Two versions of this story remain. One was reported by Australian media and the other reportedly actually happened on the ground. Let’s look at both.
Australian media claims: According to Channel 7Ravindra Jadeja “refused to answer questions in English”, leaving Australian media members confused and embarrassed.
What really happened: Ravindra Jadeja never refused to answer questions in English. When Indian media personnel asked for his answer in Hindi, his answer was given in Hindi. He never refused my request to answer questions in English.
Australian media claims: The press conference was planned only for Indian traveling media, although Australian media were also invited.
What really happened: The press conference was planned primarily for Indian traveling media only. The Australian national cricket team was also informed of the same. Messages from the conversation with Jadeja were sent only to the Indian Media WhatsApp group.
beginning Virat KohliAfter getting into an argument with an Australian female journalist at the airport #Ravindra Jadeja He refused to talk to Australian media.#ViratKohli #HONESTvsIND #BGT2025pic.twitter.com/01gJ5zwDZq
— DoctorofCricket (@CriccDoctor) December 22, 2024
When the Indian media manager was asked by Australian media personnel why Jadeja did not stay for questions, he replied that the team bus had to leave. Therefore, the player cannot stay any longer.
This was not an official and mandatory press conference, only a limited time was set by the Indian team’s media management. Therefore, it was not incumbent upon Jadeja to ensure that all journalists present were available to answer questions.
A few days ago, India’s iconic batsman Virat Kohli also got into a heated argument with some journalists at Melbourne Airport. Kohli had to intervene to prevent his family, especially his children, from being photographed at the airport. Kohli confronted journalists at the airport and asked them to respect his privacy with his family.
The incident also caused great controversy.
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