Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has weighed in on the recent media controversy involving Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test, Jadeja conducted a press conference exclusively in Hindi, addressing questions from Indian journalists. This approach left some Australian media members displeased, as they were unable to engage due to the language barrier.
Clarke expressed that such media strategies are not unprecedented for the Indian cricket team. He recalled instances from his playing days when former Indian captain MS Dhoni refrained from participating in press conferences during entire Test series in Australia. Similarly, cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar was selective about his media interactions.
“I don’t think much has changed, to be honest,” Clarke commented. “I’ve experienced Indian teams coming here, and their captain, MS Dhoni, didn’t do one press conference during the entire Test series. Sachin was very restrictive around when he chose to do media. I think it’s been the same for a long time. So, I like the fact they’re still putting someone up.”
Clarke also referenced a pre-tour press conference by Gautam Gambhir in Mumbai, where Gambhir criticized former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for his remarks on Virat Kohli’s form. Clarke believes this set the tone for India’s media approach during the tour. “I think they made it pretty clear before they left India what they were going to be like when they arrived in Australia. They’re going to stick to themselves, stick to their plan. Gambhir made that very clear in the first press conference,” he noted.
Addressing the current situation, Clarke opined that the Indian team is likely unperturbed by the media discussions surrounding Jadeja’s press conference. “So, I don’t know why anybody’s surprised, and for them, it’d be about what’s happening on the field, not off the field. So, I don’t think even the chat around it would be bothering India too much,” he added.
This perspective sheds light on the Indian cricket team’s longstanding and strategic approach to media interactions during international tours, particularly in Australia.
