Sachin Tendulkar, I was given ‘dirty jobs’, Ganguly, Sachin, Dravid… big statement of ex-Indian player on sledging

New Delhi: The second Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2023 between India and Australia is to be held in Delhi. The Indian team made a tremendous start to the series by crushing the Kangaroos by an innings and 132 runs in Nagpur. The Australian team had described it as a bigger series than the Ashes and now there is no doubt that it would be preparing for a counterattack. There is also a lot of sledging between the two teams. Meanwhile, former Indian wicketkeeper Nayan Mongia has made a big disclosure.

Recalling the historic Test match at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens in 2001, Mongia said players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman and Anil Kumble showed aggression in their game. He used to silence the Australian people. However, things could change in the second Test in New Delhi as Australia will be desperate to bounce back after losing the series opener by an innings and 132 runs.

Ahead of the second match, former India wicketkeeper-batsman Nayan Mongia, who is no stranger to India-Australia battles, recalled how he used to deal with the sledging episode. He said – it is a part of the game. We enjoyed it on the field. But as long as you’re performing, nothing matters. When there is a demonstration, they become silent. This is what players like Sachin used to do. Used to answer with his performance. Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sehwag, Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, Mohammad Azharuddin and Sourav Ganguly also did it in their careers. He was a legend of the game.

He said- It was a privilege for me to share the dressing room with these players. It was a great learning experience. If you remember the famous Kolkata Test of 2001, the Indian team showed confidence in silencing the Australian team. We had the aggression at that point and we carried it with our performance.

When asked about his role in the sledging, Mongia said that he was given the ‘dirty job’ as a keeper. He said- Of course as a wicketkeeper I used to say some words. I was given the dirty work sometimes during my career. One needs to understand when to sled and when not to. If you keep chipping away against players like Steve Waugh or Brian Lara, they get more determined. So at a certain point you need to be silent. Sledding is an art and must be used with great care. The wicketkeeper can understand the mood of the batsman. The wicketkeeper also has an important role in advising the captain and the bowler.

The Gujarat player, who represented India in 44 Tests and 140 ODIs, said legends Steve Waugh, Matthew Hayden and Glenn McGrath were master sledgers among Australian players. He said- For Australia I would say players like Steve Waugh, Matthew Hayden, Gilchrist, McGrath who were good at sniping. He had a habit of disturbing the player’s concentration. They used to work as a team. But it was great fun. Some of these sleds were great fun.
If India is showing eyes then Pakistanis started spewing venom then Afridi clashed with Ravi AshwinTeam India is not well … Australia’s most dreaded bowler returning to DelhiIND vs AUS: KL Rahul should get more chances, understand why Shubman Gill will have to wait more in this form?