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Ponting Slams Akash’s Send-Off, But Harbhajan Flashback Reveals His Own Sledging Saga

Aakash Saini

Ricky Ponting and Harbhajan Singh [Source: @HutRock/YouTube]Ricky Ponting and Harbhajan Singh [Source: @HutRock/YouTube]

Ricky Ponting, known for his fiercely competitive spirit and no-nonsense attitude on the field, was never one to back down from a verbal battle during his playing days. Even now, in the commentary box, Ponting continues to call out on-field behaviour with the same intensity he once brought as a player.

After witnessing Akash Deep’s cold sendoff to Ben Duckett firsthand on Day 2 of The Oval Test, the former Australian captain made his stance clear, saying he would have punched the bowler if he were in the English batter’s place. His reaction sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, with many recalling Ponting’s own fiery showdown with Harbhajan Singh during a tense India vs Australia match from 1998 that once turned sledging into a headline act.

When Ricky Ponting Gave A Mouthful To A Teenage Harbhajan

Back in April 1998 during match six of the Coca-Cola Cup Tri-Series at the Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium, Australian number three Ricky Ponting was out stumped by Nayan Mongia off legendary Indian spinner and then teenager Harbhajan Singh.

What followed was a charged moment of youthful fire and seasoned aggression, as Harbhajan gave Ponting a feisty send-off, letting his emotions spill after the breakthrough. Unimpressed, Ponting turned around and gave the teenager a mouthful of his own, sparking an on-field exchange and a rivalry that would simmer through the years, becoming a recurring subplot in the fierce India vs Australia cricketing battles.

What Ricky Ponting Exactly Said About Akash Deep?

As part of the Sky Sports commentary panel, Ricky Ponting was in the box when Akash Deep gave English opener Ben Duckett a fiery send-off on Day 2 of The Oval Test, complete with a few words and an arm around the batter’s shoulder. Reacting to the incident, a fellow commentator asked Ponting whether such a gesture would’ve earned the bowler a “right hook” back in his playing days.

With no hesitation, the former Australian captain responded: “Probably yeah, probably.”