Close with IND: Virat Kohli returns as India captain in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma at Sydney Cricket Ground On the third day of the fifth Test against Australia, his on-field actions sparked a discussion on social media and made headlines. Kohli silenced some Australian fans with a mock “sandpaper” joke, referencing the infamous ball-tampering scandal in 2018 involving Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft.
event
Footage showed a piece of paper or cloth popping out of an Indian player’s shoe, sparking controversy amid allegations of misconduct. Australian fans in the stands accused the Indian team of carrying sandpaper, similar to their own team’s past scandals. Kohli, known for his fiery personality and quick wit, gestured to the crowd that such accusations were baseless and quipped that Indians would not follow the lead of the Australians.
Sandpaper found in India #AUSWIN pic.twitter.com/ofUGlKOVdZ— (@r3troville) January 4, 2025
Virat Kohli digs out famous sandpaper incident
“What’s that?”#Australianwind pic.twitter.com/HwNZXhKW1S— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025
India exits WTC 2025 finals after loss in Sydney
India’s aspirations of reaching the final of the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) were dashed after they lost 3-1 to Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The defeat in the fifth and final Test in Sydney marked the first time in a decade that India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
fierce competition
Kohli’s move added another layer of intensity to an already tense match and highlighted the fierce rivalry between two giants of cricket.
India’s form declines
India’s promotion hopes have plummeted in the past three months after six consecutive defeats. The decline began with a 3-0 home defeat to New Zealand in November, severely denting their chances of reaching a third consecutive WTC final.