Virat Kohli, India’s legendary batter and acting captain on Day 3 of the fifth Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), stirred the crowd on Sunday with a cheeky gesture that quickly went viral. During the morning session, Kohli turned to Australian fans in the stands and mockingly showed his empty pockets, referencing the infamous “sandpapergate” scandal from 2018. The gesture, captured on video, has since become a talking point across social media.
The 2018 scandal involved Australian cricketers Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft, who were caught tampering with the ball using sandpaper during a Test match against South Africa. Cricket Australia handed Smith and Warner one-year bans, while Bancroft received a nine-month suspension for his role in the controversy.
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Virat Kohli’s subtle dig seemed to revive memories of that dark chapter in Australian cricket, leaving fans both amused and divided. Meanwhile, on the field, India struggled with the bat in their second innings. Resuming at 142/6, the visitors managed to add only 15 runs to their overnight total, folding for a modest 157 in under 40 overs.
“What is that about?”#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/HwNZXhKW1S
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2025
Virat Kohli showing Australia crowd there’s nothing inside the pocket. 😂 #INDvsAUSTesthttps://t.co/oqeXhHB2sn
— Total Cricket (@TotalCricket18) January 5, 2025
Virat Kohli imitated Cameron Bancroft’s sandpaper act. 💀 pic.twitter.com/fZjJ7GdviA
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 5, 2025
Australian pacers Pat Cummins and Scott Boland delivered a devastating bowling display, claiming two wickets each in the morning session. Boland emerged as the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 6/45 in 16.5 overs.
India’s Rishabh Pant was the sole bright spot in an otherwise dismal batting effort. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter smashed 61 runs off just 33 balls, showcasing his trademark aggressive style with six boundaries and four towering sixes.
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On the bowling front, Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the morning session was a major setback for India. The pacer, who has led the side in Rohit Sharma’s absence, was sidelined due to a back spasm and underwent scans on Saturday. With 32 wickets in the series, Bumrah’s contributions have been pivotal, but his participation for the remainder of the Test remains uncertain.
As the action unfolded at the SCG, Kohli’s playful antics and India’s fluctuating fortunes ensured an engaging spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.
