How Does India’s Air Defence Compare to the Ashes Rivalry?

Synopsis
In a revealing briefing, Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, DGMO, highlights India's formidable air defence system while paying tribute to cricket legend Virat Kohli's Test retirement. Using a memorable Ashes analogy, he illustrates the layers of protection that safeguard the nation against threats, showcasing the strength of India's military capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Virat Kohli's retirement marks the end of an era in Indian cricket.
- Lt. General Ghai highlights the significance of India's multi-layered air defence.
- The analogy from the 1974-75 Ashes series illustrates the concept of relentless defence.
- India's air defence is equipped to counter multiple threats effectively.
- The military's communication strategy draws parallels with national pride in sports.
New Delhi, May 12 (NationPress) The Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lt. General Rajiv Ghai, expressed his admiration for Virat Kohli, who announced his retirement from Test cricket on Monday. Ghai also elaborated on the effectiveness of India's multi-layered air defence system designed to counter enemy drone attacks, drawing an analogy from the iconic 1974-75 Ashes series.
Kohli concluded a remarkable 14-year career, amassing 9230 runs in 123 matches with an impressive average of 46.85.
During a press conference addressing the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, Lt. General Ghai, accompanied by Director General Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti and Director General of Naval Operations Vice Admiral AN Pramod, referenced the legendary cricket rivalry between Australia and England to illustrate the strength of India's air defence.
He reminisced about the formidable fast bowlers Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee, known for their aggressive pace and relentless attacks on batsmen. The duo dominated during the 1974-75 Ashes, claiming 58 wickets collectively as Australia secured a 4-1 victory.
“Aaj shayad cricket ki baat bhi karni chahiye, kyuki mai dekh raha tha Virat Kohli ne Test cricket se retirement leli. Kayi bharatiyo ki tarah mere bhi favourite cricketer hain (Maybe today I should talk about cricket too, because I saw that Virat Kohli has retired from Test cricket. Like many Indians, he is my favourite cricketer as well.),” remarked Lt. General Ghai.
He continued, “In the 1970s, Australia faced England in the Ashes series. The Australians boasted two fast bowlers, Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee, who wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup. At that time, Australia coined a phrase - 'ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don't get ya, Lillee surely must.'”
This reference was intended to commend India's air defence capabilities, which have successfully intercepted numerous drones attempting to breach the border. Lt. General Ghai emphasized, “If you examine the layers, you'll grasp my point. Even if you manage to penetrate all the layers, one of them will inevitably take you down.”