Over ‘Hindi-English’ Row, Ex-India Star’s Retort At Australian Media
Tensions between Indian cricketers and the Australian media have escalated following a press conference incident involving all-rounder RavindraJadeja. During a media interaction at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jadeja answered questions exclusively in Hindi, which frustrated some Australian journalists who felt sidelined. This controversy erupted when Jadeja left the session without addressing any questions in English, leading to claims from Australian media that the event was “disorganized and hopeless”.
The situation Intensified further when Indian pacer Akash Deep also opted to respond in Hindi during a subsequent press conference, reinforcing perceptions of a deliberate communication barrier from the Indian team. Australian news outlet Channel 7 suggested this was a “crystal clear message” to their media, indicating ongoing tensions. The fallout has been significant, resulting in the cancellation of a planned friendly T20 match between Indian and Australian media personnel, initially organized by Cricket Australia as a goodwill gesture.
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan came to Jadeja’sdefense, questioning why players should not be allowed to speak in their preferred language. He emphasized that responding in Hindi should not be viewed negatively. This incident follows previous tensions, including ViratKohli’s confrontation with an Australian journalist over privacy issues involving his family, further straining relations between the teams and the local media. With two Tests remaining in the series and a spot in the World Test Championship final at stake, these incidents have heightened emotions on both sides as they prepare for the Boxing Day Test.