NEW DELHI: Sledging has been a hallmark of the India vs Australia Test cricket rivalry, adding a layer of intensity to their encounters. Australian teams, known for their aggressive on-field tactics, often employed verbal exchanges to unsettle opponents.
India, initially more restrained, began to respond in kind, especially under captains like Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli, who encouraged a more combative approach.
India not only triumphed in their last two tours Down Under but also matched the Australians in the art of sledging. Rishabh Pant, in particular, gave the hosts a run for their own money, with his behind-the-wickets taunts aimed at Australian batters becoming major talking points of the tour.
In a video shared by Star Sports on their X handle, Australian players were asked to name the Indian player who sledges and banters the most. The unanimous choice among all players was Rishabh Pant, leaving the anchor in splits.
In the video, Pant clarified that he never sledges with a particular purpose but does it because he enjoys it. He also revealed that during the team’s meeting with the Australian Prime Minister, even the PM recognized him, saying, “You’re the one who sledges.”
The highly anticipated five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy will begin in Perth on November 22, followed by matches in Adelaide (a pink-ball game), Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
India’s recent Test series win against Bangladesh has strengthened their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with eight wins, two losses, and one draw, amassing 98 points and a points percentage of 74.24.
If India goes on to defeat New Zealand 3-0 at home, they will secure their place in the WTC final at Lord’s in June 2025 before even heading to Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will then be a contest of pride, with the world’s No. 1 team aiming to retain the series.
