Sidhu demands strict action against Travis Head for disrespecting not only Pant but 1.5 billion Indians

Despite failing to make a significant impact with the bat, scoring just 0 and 2 in the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Travis Head played a crucial role in the outcome of the match. Known for troubling the Indian team in the past, Head was finally tamed by Jasprit Bumrah who dismissed him in both innings. However, Head turned the tables with his off-spin bowling skills, taking the crucial wicket of Rishabh Pant on Day 5 after Tea. This triggered a sudden collapse in the Indian batting line-up, resulting in them losing 7 wickets in just over an hour and ultimately losing the Test match. Head may not have shone with the bat, but his contribution with the ball was vital in Australia's victory.

It was a half-tracker from Head that India's talented keeper-batter Pant hit it straight to the deep mid-wicket fielder. The unexpectedness of the wicket was such that Head celebrated in a never-before-seen manner. He created a hole with his left hand and inserted his right index finger in it multiple times. Needless to say, the celebration raised eyebrows.

Sidhu demands “stringent punishment” for Travis Head

Former India cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu was left fuming. He called Head's celebration "obnoxious" and the "worst possible example." The former India opener-turned-politician said it was an insult to 1.5 billion Indians and called for "stringent punishment" so that such an act would not be repeated on the cricket field.

"Travis head’s obnoxious behaviour during the course of the Melbourne test doesn’t auger well for the gentleman’s game…… sets the worst possible example when there are kids, women, young & old watching the game……. this caustic conduct did not insult an individual but a nation of 1.5 billion Indians……stringent punishment that would serve a deterrent for the future generations needs to be slapped on him so that no one dares follow suit !!!" Sidhu wrote on X.

Australia captain Pat Cummins, however, provided an explanation for Head's celebration. "I can explain that. His finger is so hot, that he is going to put it in a cup of ice. Yes, that’s what it is. That’s normally the running joke. Was it at the Gabba or somewhere, where he got a wicket as well and just got straight to the fridge, grabs a bucket of ice, puts his finger in and just walks in front of Lyno (Nathan Lyon). Just like that, I think it's very funny. So that’s what it would have been, nothing else," Cummins told reporters after Australia won the match by 184 runs to go 2-1 up with one match left in the series.

After Pant's (30) dismissal, India lost six more wickets for just 34 runs in the last session to get bowled out for 155 in pursuit of 340 runs. Barris Yashasvi Jaiswal (84) and Pant, none of the Indian batters got going.

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