"Did not insult an individual but a nation of 1.5 billion Indians" - Former India opener tears into Travis Head's celebration in BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Former India opener Navjot Singh Sidhu has demanded punishment for Travis Head's 'insulting and obnoxious' behavior during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The explosive batter brought out a rather unique celebration after dismissing Rishabh Pant in the final session on Day 5 (Monday, December 30), which sparked instant outrage and confusion.

After making the pivotal breakthrough that gave Australia an opening to capitalize on, Head made a gesture with his left hand made into a hollow cylinder, while his right index finger was inserted into it.

The viewers were left puzzled by Head's celebration, but Navjot Singh Sidhu was left incensed. The former India player opined that the gesture had insulted the entire nation and that action must be taken so that no one ever thinks of repeating such an act.

"Travis head’s obnoxious behaviour during the course of the Melbourne Test doesn’t auger well for 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," Navjot Singh Sidhu wrote on his X.

Head's spell included five overs in which he conceded 14 runs and got the key wicket of Rishabh Pant, who looked set at 30. The part-time bowler was brought on to help Australia catch up with the over rate in the innings.

"Had to put the digit on ice" - Australian commentator clarifies the meaning behind Travis Head's celebration

Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw explained what Head meant with his gesture, saying it was a throwback to his match-winning spell during the first Test against Sri Lanka in 2022 at Galle. At the time, Head had put a story on Instagram, where he was seen dipping his index finger in a glass of ice after it produced a brilliant four-wicket haul.

"After he took 4-10 in 17 balls in Sri Lanka in 2022, he was quoted as saying, ' had to put the digit on ice,'" Brayshaw said on air (via Channel 7).

Despite failing with the bat across both innings, Head found a way to have a defining say in the match as India collapsed in a heap after Rishabh Pant's departure.