Travis Head Insulted Rishabh Pant and 1.5 Billion Indians, Deserves Strict Punishment: Sidhu

Travis Head’s Dual Impact in Melbourne Test Sparks Controversy Travis Head may not have contributed much with the bat in the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, scoring just 0 and 1. Yet, the left-hander left a significant mark on the game’s outcome—not with his bat but with the ball. Known as…


Travis Head Insulted Rishabh Pant and 1.5 Billion Indians, Deserves Strict Punishment: Sidhu

Travis Head’s Dual Impact in Melbourne Test Sparks Controversy

Travis Head may not have contributed much with the bat in the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, scoring just 0 and 1. Yet, the left-hander left a significant mark on the game’s outcome—not with his bat but with the ball. Known as one of India’s biggest challenges in recent years, Head was finally neutralized by Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s top-ranked bowler, who dismissed him in both innings of the Boxing Day Test.

However, Head turned the tide with a crucial off-spin breakthrough, dismissing Rishabh Pant shortly after tea on Day 5. Pant’s wicket triggered a dramatic collapse, with India losing seven wickets in just over an hour and falling short in their pursuit of 340, getting bowled out for 155.

Pant, who had looked promising with a 30-run contribution, misjudged a half-tracker from Head, hitting it straight to deep mid-wicket. The dismissal sparked a celebration from Head that quickly became the center of controversy. His animated reaction involved a gesture that raised eyebrows across the cricketing world.

Sidhu Calls for Action Against Head’s Celebration

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu was outraged by Head’s behavior, calling it “obnoxious” and “the worst possible example” for the sport. Sidhu viewed the act as not only disrespectful to Rishabh Pant but also to the 1.5 billion people of India.

“Travis Head’s obnoxious behavior during the Melbourne Test doesn’t augur well for the gentleman’s game. It sets the worst possible example when kids, women, and people of all ages are watching. This caustic conduct insulted not just an individual but an entire nation of 1.5 billion Indians. Stringent punishment is needed to serve as a deterrent for future generations,” Sidhu wrote on X.


Head makes history as the first batter to achieve a unique Test cricket record


Pat Cummins Defends Head’s Gesture

Australian captain Pat Cummins offered an explanation for the celebration, downplaying the incident. “I can explain that. His finger is so hot that he’s going to put it in a cup of ice. That’s normally the running joke. I think it’s very funny. It wasn’t meant as anything offensive,” Cummins clarified during the post-match conference after Australia’s 184-run victory.

The win gave Australia a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with one match remaining in the series.

India’s Collapse

After Pant’s dismissal, India’s batting lineup crumbled, losing their final six wickets for just 34 runs. Apart from Yashasvi Jaiswal’s impressive 84 and Pant’s contribution, no other batter managed to stand firm. The dramatic collapse handed Australia a decisive win, leaving India with a mountain to climb in the series.