'You were Usain Bolt?': Zaheer recalls fiery exchange with Ponting in 2010 Mohali Test

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. Ponting’s run-out came at a crucial juncture of the Test, and the dismissal clearly didn’t 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 Ponting’s reaction. Zaheer has now put the mystery to rest.

“You think you were Usain Bolt?” Zaheer said smiling in an interview with Indian Express.

The cheeky remark, aimed at Ponting’s attempted quick single, was delivered as the Indian team celebrated the crucial breakthrough.

Zaheer’s wider view of the practice, though, is rather interesting.

“Sledging is not about use of bad words. It’s using it to your advantage, and not losing yourself in the process,” he says.

At the time, neither side made much of it. After a long day in the field, Pragyan Ojha summed it up simply: “When two top teams compete hard, words are exchanged, that’s cricket.” 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 Ishant’s dismissal, last man Pragyan Ojha survived nervy moments before sealing the win with Laxman.

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Australia, led by Ricky Ponting, had chances, most notably a dropped catch by Nathan Hauritz that proved costly.