Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has reacted to the racial abuse against Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah and said that the issue needs to be dealt with in all seriousness. Speaking about the day’s play in the virtual press conference, Ashwin said that the racial criticism against the Indian players is disappointing to say the least. Bumrah and Siraj were at the receiving end of huge criticism from Australian fans at the end of day 3. Indian skipper Virat Kohli has also reacted to the same as well.
Speaking about the same the off-spinner said that this needs to be dealt with iron fists and this is not the first case of racial abuse at the SCG.
Needs To Be Dealt With Iron Fists: Ravichandran Ashwin
“Look I’d like to point out something. This is my fourth tour to Australia and Sydney especially here we’ve had a few experiences [racial abuse] even in the past. I think one or two times, even players have reacted and gotten into trouble in the past and that’s not because of the player, it is actually because of the way the crowd has been speaking” Ravichandran Ashwin said.
It’s definitely not acceptable in this day and age, we’ve seen a lot, we’ve evolved as a society. And sometimes I think this roots back to the upbringing and the way one sees. This must be definitely dealt with an iron fist and we must make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
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He further said that the Indian players were treated badly by the SCG fans and it was disappointing to see that. He also added that having personally dealt with racial abuse in the past he knows exactly how depressing it feels.
“Personally, I think Adelaide and Melbourne wasn’t as bad. But like I said, this has been a continuous thing at Sydney. I’ve personally experienced this as well. They do tend to get nasty, I don’t know why or for what reason. Unless and until it is dealt with, people don’t find the necessity to look at it in a different way” he pointed out.
Racial Abuse is Unacceptable: Virat Kohli
Indian skipper Virat Kohli also objected against the cowardly act by the Aussie fans. In a couple of tweets, the Indian skipper has vented out his anger over this incident.
“Racial abuse is absolutely unacceptable. Having gone through many incidents of really pathetic things said on the boundary Iines, this is the absolute peak of rowdy behaviour. It’s sad to see this happen on the field” wrote Kohli in his first tweet.
Racial abuse is absolutely unacceptable. Having gone through many incidents of really pathetic things said on the boundary Iines, this is the absolute peak of rowdy behaviour. It's sad to see this happen on the field.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 10, 2021
“The incident needs to be looked at with absolute urgency and seriousness and strict action against the offenders should set things straight for once” Kohli wrote in his second tweet.
The incident needs to be looked at with absolute urgency and seriousness and strict action against the offenders should set things straight for once.
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) January 10, 2021
Meanwhile, India are trailing by 309 runs in the second innings chasing a target of 407. Meanwhile, Australia will be eyeing to pick the last eight wickets to win the Test match and take a lead in the series.
Also Read: 3rd Test, Day 4: India Trail By 309 Runs As They Aim For a Draw