
Zaheer Khan asked Ricky Ponting, 'You think you were Usain Bolt?' during their heated exchange after Ponting's run-out.
Ricky Ponting was upset because he was run out after a sharp direct hit from Suresh Raina at a crucial moment in the match.
The incident became a memorable flashpoint in cricket history, highlighting the intense rivalry between India and Australia during that period.
Zaheer Khan revealed the details of his heated exchange with Ricky Ponting during the 2010 Mohali Test, where he questioned Ponting's speed by asking, 'You think you were Usain Bolt?' This incident occurred after Ponting's controversial run-out, igniting a memorable moment in cricket history.
More than a decade after one of the most talked-about flashpoints in India-Australia cricket, former India pacer Zaheer Khan has finally revealed what he said to Ricky Ponting during their heated exchange in the 2010 Mohali Test.
The incident, etched in cricketing memory, unfolded after Ponting was run out following a sharp direct hit from Suresh Raina. Pontingâs run-out came at a crucial juncture of the Test, and the dismissal clearly didnât sit well with the Australian captain. As he walked past the Indian players, he immediately turned back, pointing his bat and engaging in a brief but intense verbal exchange before the on-field umpires intervened.
For years, fans wondered what exactly had triggered Pontingâs reaction. Zaheer has now put the mystery to rest.
âYou think you were Usain Bolt?â Zaheer said smiling in an interview with Indian Express.
The cheeky remark, aimed at Pontingâs attempted quick single, was delivered as the Indian team celebrated the crucial breakthrough.
Zaheerâs wider view of the practice, though, is rather interesting.
âSledging is not about use of bad words. Itâs using it to your advantage, and not losing yourself in the process,â he says.
At the time, neither side made much of it. After a long day in the field, Pragyan Ojha summed it up simply: âWhen two top teams compete hard, words are exchanged, thatâs cricket.â Especially in Test cricket, there was nothing more to it.
A Test to Remember
The Mohali Test in October 2010 was one of the most dramatic matches in Test history, with India pulling off a stunning one-wicket victory. Australia set India a target of 216 runs in the fourth innings. India collapsed early to 124/8, seemingly heading toward defeat. But VVS Laxman, battling severe back pain, played a heroic unbeaten 73, anchoring a miraculous chase.
He found an unlikely partner in tailender Ishant Sharma, who scored a crucial 31, helping India get within touching distance. After Ishantâs dismissal, last man Pragyan Ojha survived nervy moments before sealing the win with Laxman.
130185767
Australia, led by Ricky Ponting, had chances, most notably a dropped catch by Nathan Hauritz that proved costly.
Share this article






See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.