The Indian team is currently in South Africa, limbering up for the Test series that begins on December 26, with all the seniors present there. Though the team has never won a Test series there, and there is a lot of pressure to do that, the team environment looks calm.
In a video uploaded by all-rounder R Ashwin recently, the latter was seen to be having some fun with a staff member of the team, and introduced him as ‘one of the biggest enemies of the Indian Cricket Team’.
“Sir should we introduce you as ‘Papa’ or ‘R Venkatesh’?” Ashwin asked. “Papa Venkatesh is good enough,” replied the other person in the video. Soon Ashwin revealed that the person in question was none other than the local manager of the World Cup 2023-winning, Aussie team local manager, until last month.
“So, right now he is one of the biggest enemies of the Indian cricket team. He was the local manager of the World Cup-winning Australian cricket team until last month. Why did you did this to us, sir?” R Ashwin asked. “My life was peaceful until that happened. My entire peace has been lost since then,” Venkatesh replied.
“So, you were the local manager of the Australian cricket team. Wherever they go, they refer to you by your name and call you over. And now you are travelling with the Indian A team. How was the experience?” Ashwin asked. “I am doing the same thing I did with Australia here too. But then, since I am doing it with known faces, it’s a lot better, ” Venkatesh said.
“I was thinking whether to call him or not. But he got caught up like a scapegoat.” Ashwin added.
India vs South Africa, The Final Frontier
Every time India has travelled to South Africa, they have failed to notch up a series win. But over the last few years, the Indian team have become better travellers and have won twice in Australia. So there is no reason why the same can’t be repeated against the South Africans.
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