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

Shubman Gill and Jonny Bairstow's Sledging Match Resurfaces as Gill Leads India

NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill's captaincy debut, highlighted by an impressive unbeaten century at Headingley, has brought an old verbal sparring match between him and England's Jonny Bairstow back into the spotlight, quickly going viral among cricket fans.

Shubman Gill of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

The clip, originating from the final Test of the 2024 India-England series in Dharamshala, captures a spirited exchange between the two batsmen.

The incident occurred after Gill reached a century but was soon dismissed by James Anderson.

Reportedly, Gill had previously suggested to Anderson, who had just become the first pacer to claim 700 Test wickets, that he should consider retirement. When Bairstow came to the crease during England's second innings, he referenced the prior conversation.

The exchange unfolded as follows:

• 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?"

Soon after the verbal exchange, Bairstow was dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav, and India secured victory by an innings, winning the series 4-1.

Months later, Gill has now shone as India's Test captain, scoring an unbeaten 127 against England in the series opener at Headingley.

With Jaiswal scoring 101 and Pant remaining unbeaten at 65, India concluded Day 1 at 359/3, holding a dominant position.

The resurfaced sledging video adds intrigue to the ongoing series.

While England seeks to reorganize without Bairstow, Shubman Gill's performance, both as a batsman and a captain, points towards a promising new chapter for Indian Test cricket.