India’s Australia tours have often sparked controversy and the ongoing tour is no different. India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja found himself at the center of a heated debate at a press conference in Melbourne on Saturday. There were allegations that Jadeja refused to answer questions in English, drawing criticism from the Australian media. However, multiple reports suggest otherwise.
What the Australian media says
According to Channel 7, Jadeja “refused to answer questions in English,” leaving Australian journalists confused and allegedly slighted. Further allegations were made that the press conference was held exclusively for Indian media, excluding Australian media, although they were reportedly invited to attend.
Jadeja never avoids English questions
Contrary to these accusations, sources present at the press conference clarified that Ravindra Jadeja did not refuse to answer questions in English. The player’s reply in Hindi was a direct result of an Indian reporter asking a question in his native language. Jadeja never refused or avoided answering any question in English.
In addition, this press conference was mainly arranged for the Indian media delegation. Cricket Australia representatives were informed that the interaction was with Indian journalists and the notification about Jadeja’s release was shared exclusively through the Indian media’s WhatsApp group.
When Australian reporters asked the team’s media manager why Jadeja didn’t stay to answer their questions, they were told the team bus was scheduled to leave. The press conference was unofficial and non-mandatory, adhering to the strict schedule set by the Indian team management. Therefore, Jadeja’s early departure did not violate any agreement.
Virat Kohli’s heated argument with Australian media
The incident mirrors a similar controversy that happened with Virat Kohli earlier on the same tour. Kohli was confronted by reporters at Melbourne Airport after members of the media tried to film his family, including his children, without their consent. Kohli’s demand for privacy escalated into a heated exchange, adding another layer of tension to India’s tour of Australia.
While Australian media accounts of the press conference painted a picture of uncooperation, the facts revealed a misunderstanding of events. Ravindra Jadeja’s interaction was in keeping with the nature and scope of a press conference and was tailor-made for Indian journalists. The accusations, while sensational, appear to stem from a lack of clear communication and cultural context rather than a willful failure by Jadeja to comply.