Kohli's 'sandpaper' mimicry adds spice to BGT finale at SCG

Virat Kohli, who took over as captain for Jasprit Bumrah, entertained the crowd at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) during a dramatic finale to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).

On the third morning of the fifth Test, amid Australia’s run chase, Kohli engaged in playful banter with the Australian batsmen. In a light-hearted moment, Kohli gestured that he had no "sandpaper" on him, a reference to Australia’s infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

India set a modest target of 162 runs for Australia to win the series decider. However, the visitors faced early difficulties with the ball, conceding 35 runs in the first three overs. The breakthrough came when Sam Konstas made an ill-timed slog and was dismissed in a wild manner.

Prasidh Krishna then produced a brilliant spell, dismissing Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in quick succession. Krishna used his height to generate sharp bounce, forcing both batters to edge catches to the gully.

As Australia found themselves at 58-3, the Indian fielders and their supporters in the crowd came alive with excitement. Positioned at slip, Kohli’s theatrics added to the intensity of the moment. He turned his pockets inside out and tugged at his waistband, mimicking the infamous 2018 incident where Cameron Bancroft was caught concealing sandpaper.

The crowd’s reaction was immediate, and commentary from Sanjay Manjrekar speculated that Kohli was trying to "fire himself up" amid a lean patch with the bat.

Despite India’s spirited efforts, Australia managed to clinch victory in the afternoon session, ending a decade-long drought to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This win marked their first series triumph since the 2014-15 edition.

Australia’s victory also secured their place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final for the second consecutive time, where they will face South Africa for the coveted mace. The WTC final is scheduled for June 11, 2025, at the iconic Lord's Cricket Ground.