‘Is it just for Indians?’ – Gautam Gambhir’s dig at sledgers following Jonny Bairstow’s controversial run-out in Lord’s Test

Gautam Gambhir and Jonny Bairstow. (Photo Source: Sonu Mehta/Hindustan Times via Getty Images and `Mike Egerton/PA Images via Getty Images)

The controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow during the fourth day of the second Ashes Test has sparked a heated debate among cricket enthusiasts. Bairstow was run out by Australia’s wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, after mistakenly assuming that the ball was dead. As Bairstow casually strolled outside the crease, believing the over had been completed, Carey alertly threw the ball back onto the stumps, resulting in a runout.

Although Bairstow’s dismissal was within the rules, it ignited a discussion on the “spirit of the game”, with many questioning Australia’s tactics and the manner in which they secured a wicket. This particular dismissal had a significant impact on the game. Despite an impressive century by Ben Stokes, England failed to recover and were ultimately bowled out for 327 while chasing a target of 371.

Australian players were called “cheaters” and booed by the audience. Former Indian batter Gautam Gambhir slammed those who criticized the decision, accusing them of being “sledgers.”

“Hey, sledgers… Does spirit of the game logic apply to you or is it just for Indians?” Gambhir, apparently enraged, tweeted.

Hey sledgers….does spirit of the game logic apply to u or is it just for Indians?

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) July 2, 2023

Gambhir’s tweet reflects on a similar incident that occurred during the 2011 Nottingham Test between India and England. Former England captain Ian Bell left his crease, thinking the ball had gone for four runs. However, it hadn’t touched the boundary rope. Praveen Kumar retrieved the ball, and Indian captain MS Dhoni threw it back to the fielder, resulting in Bell being run out as he was outside the crease.

The incident during the 2011 Test also generated controversy, with the crowd booing Indian team as they walked off the field for tea, perceiving the dismissal as against the spirit of cricket. Surprisingly, when play resumed after tea, Bell received a warm reception as he walked out to bat. Indian skipper Dhoni had withdrawn the team’s appeal, rendering the decision irrelevant.

At that time, India were the defending world champion as they had beaten Sri Lanka and won the famous 2011 world cup three months ago. Sachin Tendulkar had apparently convinced Dhoni to take back the withdrawal.

England have been involved in some controversial games in the past, examples include Ben Stokes’ controversial dive in the final of the 2019 World Cup, where the ball inadvertently deflected off his bat for a boundary, and Stuart Broad’s decision to stand his ground despite clearly edging the ball to slips in the 2013 Ashes against Australia.