Sandpaper drama in Sydney: Virat Kohli sends cruel reminder, fingers pointed at Jasprit Bumrah, R Ashwin joins chatter

Virat Kohli, R Ashwin reply on Bumrah's sandpaper controversy. (Photo: X)

Virat Kohli's fiery relationship with the Australian crowd was on full display in Sydney as he taunted them with a gesture referencing the infamous Sandpapergate scandal. Known for his intense on-field demeanor, Kohli's interactions with fans, particularly during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, often ignited strong reactions. Australian spectators frequently responded with boos, but Kohli remained undeterred.

On Sunday, which was Day 3 of the fifth and final Test, Kohli reacted to the jeers by emptying his pockets as India defended a target of 162 in Sydney — a direct nod to the Sandpapergate scandal that shook Australian cricket in 2018. The incident involved Cameron Bancroft, who was caught using sandpaper on the ball during a Test against South Africa.

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The scandal led to severe repercussions: Bancroft, along with then-captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner, received bans. Smith and Warner were sidelined from international cricket for a year, with the former also losing his captaincy. Cricket Australia later lifted Smith's leadership ban, allowing him to resume leadership roles. Interestingly, Kohli's gesture came moments after Steve Smith was dismissed during the innings.

Fingers pointed at Jasprit Bumrah

India's star bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who finished as the highest wicket-taker of the series, was accused of using "sandpaper" on social media during the Sydney Test. A video surfaced online showed Bumrah adjusting his shoes, with something resembling sandpaper falling out. This sparked allegations of ball tampering, a serious offense in cricket.

Ashwin responds to allegations

However, Ravichandran Ashwin, who announced retirement from international cricket midway during the series, stepped in to quash the rumors with a witty response on X (formerly Twitter). "That’s a finger protection pad," he wrote while sharing the video.

Thats a finger protection pad https://t.co/5SMzNCGI8N
Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) January 5, 2025

The object in question turned out to be a harmless pad used to protect fingers, thus putting an end any further controversy.