In yet another rendition of cricket's most thrilling rivalry, India and Australia are up against each other in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy 2025. Despite playing with a depleted squad, Australia remain a formidable rival for India in the knockout stages.
While the once-heated India-Pakistan clashes have dimmed in recent years, the India-Australia matchup has emerged as the sport's defining contest over the past five years, delivering a string of unforgettable classics.
On the field, the players are unrelenting, but off it, moments of camaraderie often shine through. Here are seven instances where friendship prevailed over rivalry between Indian and Australian cricketers.
Virat Kohli and Steve Smith's Mutual Respect
During the 2019 ODI World Cup clash between India and Australia, Steve Smith was heckled by the Indian fans in the stadium, for his involvement in the ball-tampering allegations. Kohli, however, was not pleased with the antics and gestured towards the fans to stop the booing and start applauding Smith.
Marnus Labuschagne Ties Hardik Pandya's Shoelaces
In the ODI series in 2023, Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne displayed a lighthearted act of camaraderie. When Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya's shoelaces came undone during the match, Labuschagne knelt down and tied them for him. This friendly gesture added a touch of warmth to the high-stakes encounter.
Sachin Tendulkar and Brett Lee's Sportsmanship
In the inaugural final of the Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series in 2008 held in Sydney, Sachin Tendulkar was at 98 runs when a bouncer from Brett Lee hit his helmet. Despite the incident leaving him visibly shaken, Tendulkar maintained his composure. Lee approached him immediately to apologize and the two shook hands. Tendulkar then went on to score an unbeaten 117, guiding India to victory.
Mohammed Siraj Checks on Cameron Green
In a tour match held on December 11, 2020, between India A and Australia A in Sydney, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah inadvertently struck Australian batsman Cameron Green in the temple while he was bowling. Siraj, on the non-striker end, quickly approached Green to assess his condition, demonstrating a commendable display of sportsmanship before play continued.
KL Rahul rubbing Aaron Finch's Belly
Australian captain and opener Aaron Finch was struck by a delivery during the match, receiving a full toss from pace bowler Navdeep Saini. The incident occurred in the 11.5th over of the 2020 ODI series. Finch immediately placed a hand on his abdomen, clearly in discomfort, while teammate KL Rahul, displaying a lighter mood, playfully rubbed Finch's belly.
Tim Paine Asking Rishabh Pant to Babysit His Kids
During the third Test of the 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australian captain Tim Paine unleashed a witty sledge on India's Rishabh Pant. Paine insinuated that Pant was qualified to babysit his children. The moment gained viral attention when Pant posed with Paine's wife, Bonnie, and their kids, Milla and Charlie while holding one of the children. Bonnie shared the photo on Instagram with the caption, "Best babysitter going around @rishabpant."
Team India Give Autographed Jersey to Nathan Lyon
The Indian cricket team's gesture of presenting Nathan Lyon with a signed jersey to mark his 100th Test match stands as a memorable moment of sportsmanship in the India-Australia rivalry. During the post-match presentation of the final Test of the 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rahane paused to honour Lyon's milestone.
