After the Australian crowd called Jasprit Bumrah a 'cheat', accusing him of using sandpaper to gain an unfair advantage in the New Year's Test, Virat Kohli had the perfect revenge by reminding them of the Kangaroos' infamous Sandpaper Gate scandal at the Sydney Cricket Ground. (SCG) on day 3.
In the viral video, Jasprit Bumrah can be seen removing his shoe with something falling out of it. While its exact nature remains uncertain, it appears to be the pad commonly used by fast bowlers to ensure a cushioned and comfortable landing during the delivery stride.
Virat Kohli reminds Aussie fans of 'Sandpaper Gate'
But the media and Australian fans started accusing the Indian pacer of using sandpaper on Day 4 of the fifth and final Test match of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in Sydney.
It is this #sandpaper in Bumrah's shoe? #AUSWIND #TestMatch #Cricket pic.twitter.com/05ZMfM3aDc
— Raf Sciezka Pfizer x 3 (@rafSciezka) January 3, 2025
Well, this is interesting 🤔
Is that sandpaper???? #AUSWIND #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/NdYYWm13iJ
– Jonas A Seagal (@JASeagal) January 3, 2025
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Meanwhile, reacting to the uproar on social media, Virat Kohli, never one to shy away from a confrontation and his quirky interactions with the spectators, took a swipe at the Australian crowds who crossed the line at the SCG on Day 3.
Virat Kohli deals with Australian Cricket's dark past
In a fiery display of on-field theatrics, Virat Kohli turned the heat on the hosts by reminding the Australians of their infamous 'Sandpaper Gate' scandal. Indian right-hander Virat Kohli was seen emptying his pockets to the crowds as he hilariously conveyed his message that he had nothing in his pocket to handle the ball.
Virat Kohli's gestures spoke louder than words, reviving painful memories of one of the darkest chapters in Australian cricket. He made the gesture after Steve Smith's dismissal as India claimed three quick wickets on Day 3 of the New Year Test against Australia in Sydney.
Watch Kohli's gesture to the Australian fans here:
“What is it about?”#AUSWIND pic.twitter.com/HwNZXhKW1S
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025
Notably, Smith was one of three players involved in the Sandpaper Gate scandal in Cape Town. Australians Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were exposed for using sandpaper during a Test match against South Africa at Newlands. The incident led to a 12-month ban for all three players from all forms of cricket and even Smith losing his captaincy.
Australia beat India by 6 wickets to lift the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Talking about Day 5 action, Team India were bundled out for 157 runs on Day 3 with Scott Boland taking six wickets for Australia in the second innings at the iconic SCG. Pat Cummins also claimed three scalps, setting a target of 162 runs for Australia to chase in the final game.
India got off to a great start but without Jasprit Bumrah, they could not trouble the Australian bowlers as Sam Konstas 22, Usman Khawaja 41, Travis Head's unbeaten 34 and Beau Webster 39* were enough to take the hosts to six. -gain wicket over tourists at SCG.
Australia chased down the target in just 27 overs, winning the game by 6 wickets to win the five-match Test series by a 3–1 margin. The Australians have finally lifted the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after more than a decade under the captaincy of Pat Cummins.