Rohit Sharma has explained the decision to ban spectators from attending India’s training sessions in the wake of the second Test defeat against Australia.

In the lead-up to Adelaide Oval, news broke that fans were no longer allowed at Indian practice due to complaints from a number of players.

While it’s customary for the Aussies to open up their sessions to the public, the crowds drawn by India were much higher as close to 5000 people arrived.

READ MORE: ‘Alarming stat’ lingers despite dominant Aussie victory

READ MORE: Heated rivalry reignited as UFC Sydney fights revealed

READ MORE: ‘That’s a lie’: Indian star fires back at ‘abusive’ Head

Speaking to media after the game, the skipper fielded a question about the decision and despite reluctance from a BCCI staff member, Sharma gave an honest answer.

“No, let me say it,” he said.

“The net sessions are very private. This was the first time ever that I saw so many people at the nets. When you’re training and practicing, there are a lot of conversations and those conversations are very private.

“We don’t want anybody to hear those conversations, it’s as simple as that.

“There’s five days of Test cricket, they can come and watch us there.”

Sharma missed the series opener due to personal reasons and struggled upon his return, scoring only 3 in the first innings and 6 in the second.

While facing the pink ball is a rarity for India at Test level, the captain refused to use it as an excuse for his side’s disappointing batting display.

“It is slightly different from what you usually do,” Sharma said.

“We are used to playing in the black sightscreen with a white ball, but this is what it is. You know when you come to Australia, you have to be mentally ready to play the Test match and be ready to bat under different situations.

“It can be difficult, but that’s not an excuse for any batter. The conditions are there for both teams, they batted well and they got the runs and we didn’t bat well enough. 

“I’m not gonna look too much into this game and start worrying.” 

The third Test will begin on December 14 at The Gabba.