The 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar trophy remains the most iconic episode of Indian cricket history. From getting bowled out for 36 in Adelaide to breaching the fortress that Gabba has been for the home side, the series wasn’t lacking in drama even for a single moment. 

The memories of retaining the trophy are still fresh, but there’s one particular incident that rocked the entire cricketing world: the racial abuse Mohammed Siraj faced in Sydney. 

While fielding in the deep, Siraj had to endure racial abuse from some fans who were sitting just behind the boundary. It went on non-stop for a couple of days before Siraj, who was also called a “brown monkey,” finally reported the incident to his captain Ajinkya Rahane.

When Rahane complained to the umpire, he was asked to offer a walkout. He, however, didn’t oblige and instead ensured the abusers are evicted from Sydney Cricket Ground. 

“When Siraj came to me [on the fourth day, after being abused the day before], I told the umpires that [they] need to take action and we won’t play till then,” said Ajinkya Rahane, who was present on the launch of Bandon Me Tha Dum, a documentary on India’s historic 2-1 win in Australia.

“The umpires said that you can’t stall the game and can walk out if you want. We said that we are here to play and not sit in the dressing room and insisted on getting the abusers out of the ground. It was important to support our colleague given the situation he had been through. What happened in Sydney was completely wrong.”

Rahane also stated that things tend to go nasty in Sydney, and he has also faced the wrath of the opposing fans in the past. “Personally, I think Adelaide and Melbourne weren’t as bad. But this has been a continuous thing at Sydney. I have experienced it as well. “

Meanwhile, Bandon Me Tha Dum will be available soon on Voot Select and it is directed by renowned director Neeraj Pandey. 

Featured Image Credit: BCCI