In Phillip Hughes' Death, India vs Australia Battle Cries Fall Silent

War of words, taunts and tempers have always helped build up the frenzy ahead of an India vs Australia contest. This year was no different with Virat Kohli throwing an open challenge and former Australian cricketers predicting a whitewash. And then came the news of Phillip Hughes' death and the battle cries faded, giving way to an eerie silence. (Also read: A nation gets set to bid Hughes farewell)

The loss of young lives in actual battles - tragic as it may be - is an unfortunate reality. The loss of a young talent in sports though is a rare tragedy that is seldom hard to accept and move on from. Little surprise then, that the Australian players - feared for their aggression, loathed for their tactics - have been unable to control their emotions. Whoever said men don't cry, was fortunate enough to not experience the pain of loss. This pain has been written all over the faces of Australian players - young as well as the established. The hurt has been so bad that seniors like Shane Watson, David Warner and Brad Haddin told Cricket Australia that 'they were not in the perfect state of mind to play.' (Hughes' death brings old foes India and Australia closer)

For all the frenzy and the drum rolls ahead of India's long series Down Under, Hughes' death has cast a long shadow that is unlikely to fade in a hurry. "Words cannot express the loss we all feel as a team right now," captain Michael Clarke had told members of the press. "The world lost one of its great blokes this week and we are all poorer for it. Our promise to Hughesy's family is that we will do everything we can to honour his memory." Many feel that the team should have come out for the 1st Test against India as per schedule instead of the contest being postponed or cancelled.

How can the game go on?

Time waits for none and life moves on. So, why shouldn't sports? To have Australia play India in the first Test - as per schedule - would have been a magnificent tribute to Hughes' memory and his passion for cricket. Then again, when the human spirit is jolted by a trauma, it is only fair to step back for a moment.

While the cricket match has been indefinitely postponed with chances of it being called-off, it is not the first instance of an on-field contest being pushed back due to tragic circumstances. On August 25 in 2007, Sevilla's Antonio Puerta collapsed while playing his team's first La Liga match of the season. Although he recovered and was substituted, he collapsed once again in the dressing room and passed away three days later due to multiple organ failure. The entire world was left in shock and a shattered Sevilla management decided to postpone their Champions League match against AEK Athen F.C. Eventually, the team came out and scripted a 4-1 win - dedicating it to the 22-year-old fighter.

The history of sports is fraught with pained instances of death. And yet, these instances bring up tales of how men paused only to emerge stronger. The decision to delay the 1st Test is but a mere temporary pause and cricket will continue to live - just as the memory of Hughes.

How can the rivalry survive?

Phil Hughes was a true gentleman in the gentleman's sport. Cricket though has often been slammed for its paradigm shift towards aggression - on and off the field. An India vs Australia series has been no different. In the past few years, players have shot through their mouths as often as they have through bat and ball.

While the jury is still out on whether verbal duels enhance or mar the image of a sport, the upcoming series will surely see much less of it. Whether it is the overwhelming pain of losing Hughes or the downcast feeling in general - players from both sides will surely look to fight only cricket battles and give mind games the miss.

The Aussies have already said they are hurting. The Indians are known to be sporting and have extended their condolences. To expect them to go easy on the field would be stretching it too far and cricket will continue to be paramount. The rivalry will remain, perhaps even flourish once again.

Tribute to cricket is tribute to Hughes

Hughes was known for his batting abilities. In his brief international career, the 25-year-old showed a deep-rooted love for the sport. He was not alone.

Players around the world have similar feelings towards the sport. They live to play, and play to win. There will surely not be another Hughes ever but cricket will get back on its feet once again and enthrall fans all over. And in that, lies the biggest tribute to Hughes - a leading worshiper of the sport billions love.