'Oye Konstas, shot nahi lag rahe kya abhi?': Jaiswal shoots at Oz batter as conflict amid players grow

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy heated up at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) as India and Australia continued their fierce rivalry.

A standout subplot was the growing tension between India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal and Australia’s 19-year-old debutant, Sam Konstas. Their on-field battles spanned multiple Tests, culminating in sledges and fiery exchanges that captured global attention.

The rivalry took center stage when Jaiswal, positioned in the slips, sledged Konstas in Hindi, saying, “Kya ho gaya, ab shots nahi dikh rahe kya? Oye Konstas, shot nahi lag rahe kya abhi?” (What happened? Unable to play shots now?).

While the Australian rookie didn’t understand the language, Jaiswal’s intent was understood. The exchange left fans and commentators, including Irfan Pathan, in splits.

The pressure worked as Mohammed Siraj dismissed Konstas for 23 with an edged delivery that Jaiswal safely pouched at gully. Australia’s woes deepened when Siraj claimed Travis Head three balls later, leaving the hosts reeling at 39-4. Though Steve Smith steadied the innings briefly, his dismissal for 33 ensured India remained on top.

Jaiswal’s banter wasn’t without context. The two had clashed during the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, where Konstas had sledged Jaiswal, prompting the Indian opener to respond by striking a powerful drive that hit Konstas at silly point. This fiery spirit carried into the SCG, underscoring their personal rivalry.

Adding to the drama, Indian skipper Jasprit Bumrah etched his name in history by taking his 32^nd wicket of the series, surpassing Bishan Singh Bedi’s 1977-78 record for most wickets in a Test series away from home. Bumrah’s inspired spell, including the dismissal of Marnus Labuschagne, set the tone for India’s dominance on Day 2.

As the series nears its conclusion, the growing Jaiswal-Konstas rivalry has added an electrifying dimension to the cricketing spectacle, embodying the competitive spirit of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.