Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has criticized Australian player Travis Head for his controversial celebration following Rishabh Pant’s dismissal during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Sidhu described the act as “obnoxious” and demanded strict action, calling it disrespectful to Indian fans and against the spirit of the game.
Head’s Unexpected Contribution
Though Head struggled with the bat, scoring 0 and 1 in his two innings, he left a significant mark on the match with the ball. The part-time off-spinner delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Pant, India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, shortly after tea on Day 5. Pant, attempting to pull a half-tracker, found the deep mid-wicket fielder, sparking a dramatic collapse in which India lost seven wickets in just over an hour.
The Celebration That Raised Eyebrows
Head’s unconventional celebration drew immediate attention. Using his left hand to form a circle and repeatedly inserting his right index finger through it, the gesture sparked outrage among Indian fans and former players. Sidhu, in particular, condemned it as inappropriate and unbefitting of the “gentleman’s game.”
Sidhu’s Strong Reaction
Sidhu took to social media to voice his disapproval, urging cricket authorities to take strict action. “Travis Head’s behavior during the Melbourne Test is unacceptable and sets the worst possible example, especially when millions of fans, including children, are watching. This act wasn’t just disrespectful to one individual but to a nation of 1.5 billion Indians. A stringent punishment must be imposed to deter such conduct in the future,” Sidhu wrote on X.
Cummins Provides an Explanation
Australian captain Pat Cummins, however, offered a light-hearted defense of Head’s actions. According to Cummins, the celebration was an inside joke among teammates. “It’s a joke we have about his finger being so hot that he needs to cool it in ice. He’s done this before, heading straight to the fridge to cool his finger after a wicket. That’s all it was—nothing more,” Cummins explained during the post-match conference.
India’s Collapse
After Pant’s dismissal for 30, India’s batting lineup crumbled, losing their last six wickets for just 34 runs. The team was bowled out for 155 in pursuit of a target of 340 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s gritty 84 and Pant’s contributions were the only highlights of India’s innings.
Australia Takes the Lead
Australia’s 184-run victory in the fourth Test gave them a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, leaving one match remaining in the series. While the result favored the visitors, the controversy surrounding Head’s celebration has left a bitter aftertaste for many Indian fans.
