Aakash Chopra, former Indian cricketer, recently took aim at the Australian media, sharing a behind-the-scenes anecdote from the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Chopra’s critique highlights his views on the media’s portrayal and offers an insider’s perspective on the series, shedding light on previously undisclosed aspects of the tournament. His comments provide a fresh look at the dynamics and controversies surrounding that memorable Test series.
Aakash Chopra Talked About Australian Media:
Under Virat Kohli’s leadership, Team India made a remarkable comeback in the bilateral series, becoming the first Asian team to secure a Test series win in Australia. Aakash Chopra, who was commentating during the series, recounted a story from the second Test in Perth, where Australia claimed victory by 146 runs. Chopra’s anecdote offers an intriguing glimpse into the series, highlighting the competitive nature of the matches.
In a recent appearance on the 2 Sloggers YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra criticized broadcasters for amplifying the stump mic during a heated on-field exchange between Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja. Chopra suggested that the Australian media aimed to damage the reputation of the Indian team by highlighting their verbal clash. During the incident, Sharma and Jadeja were reportedly exchanging harsh words while fielding within the 30-yard circle.
Chopra, who was in the commentary box at the time, claimed that the broadcaster edited and distributed the contentious clip to the media. According to him, this move was intended to sensationalize the incident and cast the Indian team in a negative light.
He said, “ They (Australian media) used to release videos. They did it in front of me when Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja had a heated exchange with each other while standing in the 30-yard circle. The broadcasters amped up the stump mic as they were abusing each other. They cut the clip and shared it with the press in front of me. After that, when we were talking off the field, I was like, ‘What are we actually trying to achieve because it’s nothing.”
Aakash Chopra on Ricky Ponting’s Shift in Commentary Stance:
Ricky Ponting was present in the commentary box during the incident. Aakash Chopra noted that while Ponting initially criticized the event, his stance shifted once he had the microphone. Chopra suggested that Ponting’s change in position was noticeable, implying a possible shift in perspective or a response to the situation’s evolving dynamics.
He further said, “ Ricky said they are ‘Making a mountain out of a molehill.’ The moment he went on air, he tore into the Indian team, and I was stunned that he had just said something else a few minutes back.”
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In the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India claimed victory in the first Test by 31 runs, but Australia equalized the series with a win in Perth. The Indian team made a strong comeback in the third Test, taking the lead. The series concluded with the fourth and final Test in Sydney ending in a draw, showcasing a competitive and closely contested series between the two teams.
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