India has snubbed fans and the South Australian Cricket Association ahead of the Adelaide Test

The Indian Test team has snubbed cricket fans as crowds flocked to their open training in Adelaide – and ruffled feathers after opting out of SA cricket’s ‘most prestigious’ function.

India has bucked longstanding convention by turning down an invitation to attend a black tie function two days out from the Adelaide Test.

The development comes after the tourists also moved to ensure they do not have open training sessions in Sydney and Brisbane after swarms of fans descended on Adelaide Oval to watch India go through their paces on Tuesday night.

The South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) members’ Test match dinner is described on the organisation’s website as “the most prestigious and exclusive event on the SACA calendar.”

Fans flocked to India’s opening training in Adelaide. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Held at Adelaide Oval each summer in the lead-up to the venue’s Test, the $240 per head event on Wednesday night is hosted by broadcaster Gerard Whateley and features guest speakers Adam Gilchrist and Harsha Bhogle.

It is traditional that both captains attend and speak at the event.

However it’s understood that Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir declined the invitation this year.

Australian skipper Pat Cummins and new opener Nathan McSweeney – also the SA captain – will both attend the event.

The dinner came 24 hours after India held an open training session under lights. Promoted by Cricket Australia, the session drew several thousand fans who filled the bays to watch India train on the field before moving to the net area.

However players were distracted by fans only metres away from practising batters and bowlers and now India will not proceed with similar sessions at the SCG and Gabba.

They will be forced to deal with the public in Melbourne given the MCG nets are viewable from outside the ground.

“India have expressed a preference for their remaining training sessions not to be open to the public to minimise potential noise or distractions,” Cricket Australia said.

India has opted out of open sessions after the turnout at Adelaide. Picture: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Indian batter KL Rahul said on Wednesday that the experience had been unusual.

“Very different. Not used to it,” Rahul said.

“We have practice with crowds but it’s mostly T20 and ODIs back home, we’ve had crowds come in and watch our practice sessions.

“So it felt a little different but also it adds to your preparation for the Test match and gives us a bit of what we can expect on day one or all the days here in Adelaide, so it was good.”