Indian cricket fans don’t forget ‘plane down’ mockery by Pakistani player, give it back in cheeky Garba dance moves

What started as a cheeky on-field cricketing taunt has now transformed into a full-blown Garba move, the ‘Plane Down’ gesture is taking over Navratri 2024.

Originally made popular by Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, the “Plane Down” move — a sharp, downward-slicing hand gesture mimicking a descending aircraft — was used as a wicket celebration, symbolically "grounding" the opposition.

Many interpreted it as a not-so-subtle dig at India during high-tension matches.

But cricket fans didn’t forget, in a perfect twist of sporting drama, India’s Jasprit Bumrah returned the favour, mimicking the gesture after dismissing key Pakistani batsmen.

The move went viral instantly.

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh posted a lighthearted video showing young Garba dancers — boys and girls — incorporating the “Plane Down” step into their dancing.

“Paaji, tussi ta nava step create kar ditta garba layi!” (Bro, you’ve created a brand new step just for Garba!), commented one amused fan.

Another joked: “If Arshdeep ever becomes Prime Minister, his first foreign visit will be Pakistan!” The #PlaneDownStep has since spread like wildfire.

"Paji ne to pure ke pure pakistan ko trigger kr dea hai," wrote another.

Videos have emerged from Garba nights in Gujarat, Mumbai, Delhi, and even among the Indian diaspora in New Jersey, London and Dubai all showcasing revelers syncing the iconic gesture with traditional Dandiya beats.

The simplicity of the gesture and the emotional charge it carries from the India-Pakistan rivalry make it a perfect addition to festive celebrations.