India are all set to tour Australia for three ODIs and five T20Is, and the anticipation around the series is building rapidly. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning to the ODI squad, cricket fans are expecting thrilling contests throughout the tour.

Aussies start pre-series mind games

The Australian cricket team has begun their playful pre-series banter with a cheeky reference to India’s handshake refusal saga against Pakistan during the Asia Cup. In a video released on the official X handle of Kayo Sports, hosts of the popular Grade Cricketer podcast were joined by Australian men’s and women’s cricketers.

One host commented, “We all know India’s on their way, but we have identified one critical weakness.” The other added, hinting at India’s discomfort with traditional greetings, “Now, we know that they are not huge fans of traditional greetings, so we can throw them off before they even bowl a ball.”

The reference is a nod to the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent cross-border tensions, which led to Indian players refusing to shake hands with Pakistan during the Asia Cup.

Australian stars suggest alternative greetings

In the video, several Australian players joined in the lighthearted jest by demonstrating fun alternatives to the handshake.

  • Glenn Maxwell showcased a quirky joining-of-hands gesture with a younger team member.
  • Mitchell Marsh introduced the “finger in ice cup” move, inspired by Travis Head.
  • Alyssa Healy and Alana King demonstrated the ‘healing hands’ gesture.
  • Josh Hazlewood presented a ‘shooter’ action as his version.

These actions, while playful, form part of the psychological games and team banter ahead of India’s tour Down Under.

Indian cricket team ready to respond

While the Australians are having fun, Indian cricketers are likely to focus on performance on the field, hoping to let cricket, rather than handshakes or gestures, decide the narrative. Fans expect India to counter the mind games with strong displays in both ODIs and T20Is, aiming to conclude the tour with the customary warm handshake and sporting spirit.

Conclusion

As India gears up for the series in Australia, the pre-series banter adds an entertaining layer to the contest. While Australia uses playful mind games, Indian players will aim to answer on the field, showcasing their cricketing skills and sportsmanship.