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‘Sledging’ in cricket refers to the practice of players engaging in verbal banter or taunts with the intention of unsettling or distracting their opponents. This psychological tactic has been a part of the game for many years, and its nature has evolved over time.
Sledging in the time of Australian cricket dominance
During the era of Australia dominance in world cricket, particularly under captains like Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, sledging became more prevalent and was often seen as a tool to mentally disintegrate opponents. The Australian team gained a reputation for aggressive and strategic verbal tactics on the field. Players like Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Adam Gilchrist were known for their witty banter, attempting to unsettle batters and create a psychological advantage. This period saw some infamous incidents, like the heated exchanges with opponents and the mental disintegration strategy.
Sledging under Virat Kohli’s leadership
Under Virat Kohli‘s captaincy, the Indian cricket team has displayed a more combative and expressive approach on the field. Kohli himself is known for his aggressive style, and the Indian team has engaged in verbal duels with opponents. Sledging has been used as a means to fire up the team and respond to on-field provocations. Kohli encourages his players to be assertive, and this approach has been both praised for its competitive spirit and criticized for crossing boundaries.
Also WATCH: “Don, Sarkar or…Which title suits Jaya ji?”: Ishan Kishan and Amitabh Bachchan indulge in a funny banter; video goes viral
Video of a little boy giving a pep talk
Now, the video featuring a little boy giving a pep talk to his cricket team adds a humorous and adorable touch to the concept of sledging. In the video, the child instructs his teammates to engage in sledging against the opposition players. The innocence of the child combined with the unconventional topic of sledging creates a lighthearted and amusing scene. The boy goes beyond just encouraging verbal banter; he even lays out penalties for misfielding and expresses a desire for the bowlers not to approach him for more opportunities to bowl.
Here’s the video:
Sab sledging karenge 😂 pic.twitter.com/ampBlmmFLW
— Cricketopia (@CricketopiaCom) January 1, 2024
The video going viral suggests that people are enjoying the unconventional and amusing take on the usually competitive and intense aspect of sledging in cricket. It highlights how sledging, in some form, has become ingrained in the cricketing culture, even at the grassroots level, and is often perceived as a way to build team spirit and add a sense of fun to the game.
