Australia Stars Post Video Mocking India’s No-Handshake Move Before ODI Series

Australian cricketers from both the men's and women's teams have injected humour into the buildup of the upcoming three-match ODI series against India, starting October 19, by poking fun at India's recent refusal to exchange handshakes with Pakistan during the Asia Cup 2025. The light-hearted video, shared by broadcaster Kayo Sports on October 13, features players brainstorming alternative greetings to "catch India off guard," highlighting the ongoing banter between the trans-Tasman rivals.

The Asia Cup 2025, held in neutral venues amid heightened political tensions following the Pahalgam terror attacks earlier this year and India's subsequent Operation Sindoor, saw Indian players, led by skipper Suryakumar Yadav, consistently avoid post-match pleasantries with their Pakistani counterparts across three encounters, including the group stage, Super 4s, and final in Dubai on September 28. This stance extended to India declining the trophy presentation from Asian Cricket Council President Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan's Interior Minister, prompting a formal protest from the Pakistan Cricket Board. The incident underscored the deepening divide between the two nations, where cricket has long served as a barometer for bilateral relations, echoing past boycotts and neutral-site mandates since the 2019 Pulwama attack.

In the viral Kayo Sports clip, hosted by The Grade Cricketer, an anchor identifies India's aversion to traditional handshakes as a "critical weakness" to exploit before the first ball. Players like Josh Hazlewood suggest a Namaste with a twist, Mitchell Marsh proposes a fist bump, Glenn Maxwell recommends rubbing hands with salt for a "gritty" feel, and Alyssa Healy offers a curtsy. The segment drew mixed reactions, with some praising the camaraderie and others criticising it as insensitive, particularly from Australian women's spinner Sophie Molineux, whose blurred gesture—widely interpreted as a middle finger—sparked online backlash. Men's squad members Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Matt Short, alongside women's players Alana King and Tahlia McGrath, also joined the fun, emphasising the pre-series mind games.

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This jovial exchange comes as both teams prepare for a high-stakes series, with India banking on the return of veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in ODIs after their T20I retirements, aiming to build momentum for the 2027 World Cup. Australia, meanwhile, faces its own challenges, including Test captain Pat Cummins' ongoing recovery from a back stress fracture sustained weeks ago. The 32-year-old admitted to SEN radio that his participation in the Ashes starting November 21 is "less likely than likely", with medical staff cautious about risking further injury during the summer season. The ODI opener in Perth will test Australia's white-ball depth, potentially without Cummins, while India's young guns like Shubman Gill seek to blend seamlessly with the seniors.

As the series looms, the mock video underscores cricket's ability to blend rivalry with levity, though it risks reigniting Asia Cup sensitivities. Fans anticipate fierce on-field competition, with the handshakes—or lack thereof—likely to remain a talking point in the stands and on social media.

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