IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill, Jonny Bairstow's heated sledging war resurfaces - viral video

IND vs ENG: Old Sledging Incident Between Shubman Gill and Jonny Bairstow Resurfaces

NEW DELHI: As Shubman Gill celebrated his captaincy debut with a remarkable unbeaten century at Headingley on Friday, a past verbal clash between him and England's Jonny Bairstow has resurfaced online, rapidly gaining traction across cricket communities.

Shubman Gill of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Shubman Gill of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

The clip, originating from the final Test of the 2024 India-England series in Dharamshala, showcases a spirited sledging exchange between the two batsmen. The incident occurred after Gill was dismissed by James Anderson shortly after reaching a century.

Reportedly, Gill had previously suggested to Anderson, upon the latter becoming the first pacer to claim 700 Test wickets, that he should consider retirement. When Bairstow entered to bat in England's second innings, he brought up the topic.

Here's the conversation that ensued:

• Bairstow: "What did you say to Jimmy about him retiring?"
• Gill: "I told him he should retire."
• Bairstow: "And then he got you out next ball?"
• Gill: "So what? He can get me out after my 100."
• Bairstow: "100 percent."
• Gill: "How many hundreds do you have this series?"
• Bairstow: "How many have you scored, full stop?"

Watch:

Despite the exchange concluding with smiles, the momentum soon shifted towards India. Bairstow was dismissed just four balls later by Kuldeep Yadav, and India secured victory by an innings, winning the series 4-1.

Now, several months later, Gill has taken the lead in his debut innings as India’s Test captain, achieving an impressive 127 not out against England in the series opener at Headingley.

With Jaiswal’s 101 and Pant’s unbeaten 65, India concluded Day 1 on 359/3, holding a commanding position. The reappearance of the sledging video has contributed an additional element of intrigue to the new series. While England aims to recover without Bairstow, Shubman Gill’s performance, both as a batsman and captain, signals a promising new chapter for Indian Test cricket.