One thing that has continually surfaced during the build-up to the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series between Australia and India is the notion that both sides don't like each other very much. In fact, replace notion with fact and we're probably somewhere close to a fair reflection of relations between the two sets of players.

The IPL has gone a long way to breaking down barriers that once existed between international cricketers from different countries, but ultimately, there is a whole world of difference in playing T20 franchise cricket for big money and representing your country. For most, the IPL is about providing financial security long after the boots have been hung up while also offering the opportunity to broaden skill-sets and experience. Playing Test cricket for your country is the fulfilment of a lifelong dream.

If you can crack the longest form of the game - like Virat Kohli has, like Steve Smith has, like Pat Cummins has - you cherish playing Test cricket for your country dearly and place its importance above everything else. Kohli has done that, so too Smith, Cummins and many more of the big names who will be on show in the next few weeks.

Representing your country is still king, Test cricket, for now, is still king, and that is why, when the players walk out onto the field for the day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, the gloves will be off once again.

The last time India toured Australia in 2018-19, there were flashpoints galore as Kohli and Australia captain Tim Paine went hard at each other throughout while young wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant epitomised the 'new India' in never taking a backwards step and dishing out verbal assaults at free will.