The 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar series was filled with drama, high stakes, and history-making moments. Among the fierce battles and intense performances, one light-hearted yet unforgettable episode stood out—the playful sledging between Rishabh Pant and Tim Paine. This banter didn’t just add humour to the game; it became a defining moment that fans continue to cherish. The incident happened during the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. With India batting, Australian skipper Tim Paine decided to get under the skin of the young Indian wicketkeeper, Rishabh Pant. Known for his chirpy presence behind the stumps, Pant found himself on the receiving end this time.
Paine saw an opportunity for some friendly banter and grabbed it. Referring to MS Dhoni’s return to India’s ODI squad, Paine cheekily suggested Pant should join the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League. But the sledge didn’t stop there. Paine went on to propose that Pant could extend his stay in Australia and babysit his kids while Paine and his wife, Bonnie, enjoyed a movie night.
“Tell you what, big MS is back in the one-day squad. Should get this bloke down to the Hurricanes. We need a batter. Fancy that, Pantsy? Extend your little Aussie holiday. Can you babysit? I’ll take the wife to the movies one night. You’ll look after the kids?”
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Pant’s ‘temporary captain’ jibe at Paine
The banter was as sharp as it was humorous, and the stump mic ensured everyone got a front-row seat to the exchange. But Pant, known for his fearless attitude and quick wit, wasn’t going to take it lying down.
When Australia came out to bat, Pant seized his moment to return the favour. Standing behind the stumps, he cheekily called Paine a “temporary captain,” a clear reference to Paine’s status as a stand-in skipper after Steve Smith’s suspension in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal.
“We’ve got a special guest here. Come on, boys, let’s give it up for the temporary captain,” Pant quipped. The comment stung, highlighting Paine’s fragile position amidst the turmoil Australian cricket was going through.
When Pant turned ‘baby sitter’ for Paine’s kids
The banter between the two not only entertained but also humanised the intense rivalry between the teams. The cherry on top came during India’s visit to the Australian Prime Minister’s residence. In a moment of sporting camaraderie, Pant posed for a photo with Paine’s kids, with Bonnie Paine dubbing him the “Best Babysitter.” The photo went viral, and this exchange became one of the most iconic sledging moments in cricket history.
Ultimately, India scripted history by winning the series 2-1, their first-ever Test series victory on Australian soil. Yet, the Pant-Paine saga became a symbol of the series, which reminds fans that even in the midst of high-pressure competition, cricket retains its ability to bring out humour, camaraderie, and respect.
