Cricket

Sledging: A Fiery Element in the India-Australia Test RivalrySledging, the art of verbal jousting on the cricket field, has become an integral part of the intense rivalry between India and Australia. While Australian teams have traditionally been known for their aggressive sledging tactics, India has gradually embraced this aspect of the game, particularly under the leadership of Sourav Ganguly and Virat Kohli.In recent years, India has not only triumphed in their last two tours Down Under but has also matched the Australians in the art of sledging. Rishabh Pant, in particular, has emerged as a master of behind-the-wickets banter, often targeting Australian batters with his witty remarks.In a recent video shared by Star Sports, Australian players unanimously named Pant as the Indian player who sledges and banters the most. Pant, however, clarified that he does not engage in sledging with any specific purpose but simply enjoys the banter.The upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, beginning on November 22 in Perth, promises to be another fiery encounter between these two cricketing giants. India's recent Test series win against Bangladesh has solidified their position atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, with a points percentage of 74.24.If India manages 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 become a contest of pride, with the world's No. 1 team aiming to retain the series.

The 1996 Sahara Cup final between India and Pakistan at the Toronto Cricket Club was a thrilling encounter that showcased the intense rivalry between the two cricketing giants. The match was the culmination of a five-match series that had drawn significant attention due to the high stakes and the presence of some of the best players from both sides.India started the series strongly, winning the first ODI by 8 wickets. However, Pakistan bounced back in the second game, securing a narrow 2-wicket victory. India regained the lead in the third ODI, defeating Pakistan by 55 runs in a low-scoring affair. Pakistan dominated the fourth ODI, winning by a massive 97 runs, setting the stage for a decisive fifth match.In the final ODI, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Aamer Sohail, Saeed Anwar, and Ijaz Ahmed made solid contributions, but it was Saleem Malik's 43 runs off 47 balls that helped Pakistan reach a total of 213/9.In reply, India faced a daunting challenge against Pakistan's formidable bowling attack, led by the talented Mushtaq Ahmed. The leg-spinner turned the tide in Pakistan's favor, claiming five wickets for just 36 runs, leaving Indian batsmen in disarray. He dismissed key players, including Ajay Jadeja, Rahul Dravid, Sunil Joshi, Mohammad Azharuddin, and Aashish Kapoor.Despite some resistance from the Indian batsmen, they struggled to form partnerships and ultimately fell to the pressure exerted by Pakistan's bowlers. India were bowled out for 161 runs, handing Pakistan a convincing victory by 52 runs. Mushtaq Ahmed's outstanding performance earned him the Man of the Match award, further solidifying his impact in this historic rivalry.The 1996 Sahara Cup final remains one of the most memorable matches between India and Pakistan, showcasing the intense competition and high-quality cricket that has characterized their rivalry over the years.

The rivalry between India and Australia in cricket is one of the most intense in the sport, and it's set to reach new heights when the two teams face off in a five-Test series Down Under for the Border Gavaskar Trophy, beginning this November. The build-up to the much-awaited clash is fast gaining momentum, and it has been further fueled by former India opener Aakash Chopra, who has exposed how Indian team and players are targeted on Australian tours.Sharing a story from his commentary stint during India's 2018-19 tour, Chopra not only criticised the actions but also revealed how specific portions of play from live broadcast are clipped and shared with the Australian media to bring the Indian players into disrepute.India registered a historic first ever Test series win in Australia under Virat Kohli's captaincy, and the story Chopra shared on the '2 Sloggers' podcast is from the second Test of the series in Perth. Chopra claimed that the broadcasters amplified the stump microphone to highlight a heated on-field exchange between Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja in an attempt to tarnish the image of the visiting team.Chopra was in the commentary box when the said incident happened. "They (Australian media) used to release videos. They did it in front of me when Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja had a heated exchange with each other while standing in the 30-yard circle. The broadcasters amped up the stump mic as they were abusing each other," Chopra said on the podcast."They cut the clip and shared it with the press in front of me. After that, when we were talking off the field, I was like, 'What are we actually trying to achieve because it’s nothing',' the 47-year-old former opener added.Chopra went on to add that Ricky Ponting, who was present in the commentary box when this happened, first condemned what he saw but said something exactly the opposite as soon as the former Australia captain went on air. "Ricky said they are 'Making a mountain out of a molehill'. The moment he went on air, he tore into the Indian team, and I was stunned that he had just said something else a few minutes back," Chopra recalled.Chopra's revelations have sparked outrage among Indian fans and former players, who have accused the Australian media of bias and unfair treatment of the Indian team. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has also taken note of the matter and is expected to raise it with the International Cricket Council (ICC).The upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy series is expected to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent memory, and the off-field drama is only adding to the anticipation. It remains to be seen how the Indian team will respond to the allegations of unfair treatment, but one thing is for sure: the rivalry between India and Australia is set to reach new heights in the coming weeks.

The 1998 Coca-Cola Cup tri-series in Sharjah witnessed the birth of one of the most iconic rivalries in cricket history: Harbhajan Singh vs. Ricky Ponting.Harbhajan, a young and promising off-spinner, had just made his ODI debut for India. In his fourth match, he faced the formidable Australian batsman Ponting, who was known for his aggressive batting style.Ponting, batting at No. 3, started off strongly, hitting Harbhajan for boundaries. However, Harbhajan had the last laugh. In the same over, he had Ponting stumped by wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia. The dismissal was followed by a fiery send-off from Harbhajan, igniting a rivalry that would last for years to come.Ponting, not one to back down, retaliated by barging into Harbhajan and exchanging words. The incident set the tone for their future encounters, which were often marked by intense competition and verbal exchanges.The match itself was a high-scoring affair, with Australia posting 284 for 7 thanks to centuries from Michael Bevan and Mark Waugh. India, despite a brilliant 143 from Sachin Tendulkar, could only manage 250 for 5 in a weather-shortened game. Australia won by 26 runs.The Harbhajan-Ponting rivalry became a defining feature of the India-Australia cricket rivalry. Harbhajan, with his guile and accuracy, often had the upper hand over Ponting, who was known for his attacking batting. Their battles on the field were always intense and often spilled over into verbal exchanges.The rivalry reached its peak during the 2008 Sydney Test, where Harbhajan was accused of racially abusing Ponting. The incident led to a diplomatic row between India and Australia and cast a shadow over the relationship between the two cricketing nations.Despite the controversies, the Harbhajan-Ponting rivalry remains one of the most memorable in cricket history. It was a clash of two contrasting styles and personalities, and it produced some of the most memorable moments in the sport.

The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in the world, with every match between the two nations carrying immense significance. One such memorable encounter occurred during the ICC T20 World Cup 2012, where former Indian all-rounder Suresh Raina silenced Pakistani supporters in a unique and unforgettable way.In a Super 8s match at the packed R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Pakistan struggled against India's bowling attack, with Lakshmipathy Balaji and R Ashwin taking three and two wickets respectively. Pakistan's innings lacked substantial partnerships, with only Shoaib Malik managing a top score of 28.The turning point came when Pakistan's captain, Mohammad Hafeez, was caught behind off Virat Kohli's bowling for 15. Umar Akmal provided some resistance, scoring a quick-fire 21 off 18 balls, but his dismissal by Suresh Raina off Ashwin's bowling proved to be the decisive moment.As Akmal attempted a big shot over midwicket, Raina took a fantastic catch, silencing the Pakistani fans who had been chanting "Pakistan! Pakistan!" after Akmal's six off Irfan Pathan. In a moment of triumph, Raina cupped his ear towards the crowd, implying that he couldn't hear their cheers anymore.Pakistan were eventually bowled out for a modest 128 in 19.4 overs, with India comfortably chasing down the target in just 17 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten knock of 78 off 61 balls from Virat Kohli.Raina's catch and subsequent celebration became an iconic moment in the India-Pakistan rivalry, showcasing his skill as a fielder and his ability to silence the opposition's supporters. Despite India's victory, they finished third in the Super 8s and did not progress to the semifinals of the tournament.

The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia promises to be a thrilling spectacle, with both teams eager to prove their dominance. Aussie opener Travis Head has acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by the Rohit Sharma-led Indian side, but remains confident in his team's abilities.India has emerged as a formidable force in the series, having won the last four encounters against Australia, including two victories on Australian soil. This has shifted the balance of power in India's favor, with the team winning the BGT 10 times compared to Australia's five.Head, however, is not ready to label India as favorites. He believes that the Aussies have played against them enough to understand their strengths and weaknesses. The 30-year-old has been in impressive form in recent years and is eager to contribute to his team's success."I don't feel like they're my favorite. I just feel like we play them enough, play them lots. And, I guess the last couple of years I've been in nice form. So yeah, being able to, to play well, it's always nice. It's not hard to get up for the contest. It's hugely competitive. Yeah, it's easier to get up for the game. So I wouldn't say they're my favorites," Head said.Despite acknowledging India's strength, Head remains optimistic about Australia's chances. He believes that the team has the potential to perform well and is looking forward to a successful summer."They're extremely difficult but it's been nice to play well in a couple of games and looking forward to preparing well and being ready to go and...hope hopefully I can contribute to what's a successful summer for us," he added.The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence on November 22 with the first Test at Perth. The series will feature a day-night Test at Adelaide Oval, a traditional Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and a thrilling finale at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The 2003-04 India tour of Australia was marked by intense rivalry and verbal sparring even before the first ball was bowled. The Aussies, eager for revenge after their defeat in India in 2001, vowed to unleash "chin-music" on the Indian batsmen, particularly captain Sourav Ganguly.The first Test at the Gabba, Steve Waugh's last series, was crucial for both teams. Ganguly, known for his aggressive leadership, won the toss and surprisingly asked Australia to bat first. Despite rain interruptions, Zaheer Khan's five-wicket haul restricted the hosts to 323.India's response began promisingly with a 61-run opening stand between Aakash Chopra and Virender Sehwag. However, the dismissal of Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar in quick succession left India reeling at 62/3.Enter Sourav Ganguly. With his trademark elegance and aggression, Ganguly counterattacked the Australian bowlers. He drove through the covers, cut through point, and pulled to mid-wicket, showcasing his full range of shots. His fifty came off 74 balls, and his century off 135 deliveries.Ganguly's 146-run partnership with VVS Laxman (75) for the fifth wicket was a masterclass in batting. His 144-run knock was studded with 18 boundaries, earning applause even from some of the Aussie players.The Test ended in a draw, but Ganguly's performance at the Gabba sent a strong message to the Aussies. He had led India from the front, proving that they were not going to be pushovers in the series. This also set the tone for Steve Waugh's farewell, as the former Australian captain had to dig deep into his experience and determination to save the series for his team in the final Test in Sydney.

The 2010 Asia Cup witnessed an unforgettable clash between two cricketing giants, Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh. The India vs Pakistan match reached its climax when Harbhajan smashed a crucial six off Akhtar in the final overs, propelling India to a thrilling three-wicket victory.The tension between the two players had been simmering throughout the match. Akhtar's fiery bouncer and subsequent verbal exchange with Harbhajan set the stage for a dramatic showdown. In the 50th over, with Pakistan needing just 12 runs to win, Harbhajan unleashed his fury on Mohammad Amir, sending the ball soaring over the midwicket boundary.As the ball sailed over the ropes, Harbhajan let out a deafening roar and removed his helmet, his gaze fixed on Akhtar, who was positioned at third man. Akhtar, in response, made a V sign with his fingers and turned his head away, unable to meet Harbhajan's triumphant stare.The on-field clash between the two stars became a defining moment in their rivalry. Years later, they reunited during the Legends League Cricket Masters and reminisced about their heated encounter. Akhtar recalled the sixes he had hit off Harbhajan in the Faisalabad Test, while Harbhajan pointed out that he had refrained from sledging Akhtar after those shots.However, when Harbhajan turned the tables and hit a six off Akhtar, the fast bowler's anger flared. "You said so many things!" Harbhajan exclaimed. Akhtar playfully hit Harbhajan, who responded with humor, "When he can't win with words, he starts hitting people."The clash between Shoaib Akhtar and Harbhajan Singh remains etched in the annals of cricket history as a testament to the intense rivalry between India and Pakistan. It was a moment of triumph for Harbhajan and a reminder of the passion and drama that can unfold on the cricket field.

The legendary rivalry between Sachin Tendulkar, the batting maestro, and Shane Warne, the spin wizard, reached its zenith during India's 1998 home series against Australia. The series was billed as a battle between two titans, and it lived up to the hype.In preparation for the series, Tendulkar sought advice from Ravi Shastri, who had faced Warne in his debut Test. Shastri suggested that Tendulkar adopt an aggressive approach, as his shorter stature would make it difficult to counter Warne's spin defensively.Tendulkar then practiced extensively at the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai, working with former India leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan to develop a strategy to neutralize Warne's bowling.In the first Test at Chepauk, Warne dismissed Tendulkar in the first innings. However, in the second innings, Tendulkar showcased his mastery over Warne's spin. He used his sharp footwork to either play Warne on the full or rock back and cut the ball, neutralizing the spin.Tendulkar's unbeaten 155 in the second innings helped India secure a victory and set the tone for the series. His footwork and mastery over Warne's spin made headlines, and Warne later admitted that bowling to Tendulkar in that series was one of the most challenging experiences of his career.Tendulkar's strategy was clear: he used his sharp footwork to either play Warne on the full or rock back and cut the ball, neutralizing the spin. His ability to pick Warne's variations made him extremely effective against the leg-spinner.Tendulkar countered Warne's spin with ruthless precision, attacking the leg-spinner with aggression. He often stepped out of the crease to meet Warne's deliveries on the full, particularly targeting the rough outside leg stump.Tendulkar's unbeaten 155 in the second innings, not only helped India secure a victory but also set the tone for the series, as Tendulkar's footwork and mastery over Warne's spin made headlines.The rough patches on Indian pitches provided additional turn, but Tendulkar adapted superbly. Warne later admitted that bowling to Tendulkar in that series was one of the most challenging experiences of his career.After the series, Warne famously admitted that he had nightmares about bowling to Tendulkar, particularly after the Chennai Test. Warne was one of the finest spinners of all time, but Tendulkar seemed to have a mental edge over him, especially on the subcontinent pitches where the ball turned sharply.