A surprising incident involving Indian cricket captain Shubman Gill has gone viral on social media. During India’s tour of Australia, a fan approached Gill for a handshake but immediately shouted “Pakistan Zindabad” right after shaking hands, leaving the Indian skipper visibly startled.
The moment, captured on video, has quickly spread across various social media platforms, sparking mixed reactions from cricket fans around the world.
Incident Took Place Ahead of Second ODI Against Australia
According to Indian media reports, the incident occurred while the Indian team was in Australia for a three-match ODI series. After losing the first ODI in Perth, India began preparations for the second match.
During a casual outing in Adelaide, Shubman Gill was approached by a fan who politely asked to shake hands. Gill extended his hand without hesitation. However, as soon as their hands met, the fan suddenly shouted “Pakistan Zindabad”, catching the Indian captain completely off guard.
Gill immediately pulled his hand back, appeared surprised, and walked away without responding to the fan.
Video Goes Viral, Sparks Online Debate
The video of the incident went viral within hours, drawing thousands of comments and shares across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube.
Many users called the act a “revenge moment”, linking it to the Asia Cup controversy, when some Indian players were criticized for not shaking hands with Pakistani cricketers after a match.
Some fans from Pakistan took the incident humorously, calling it a clever and light-hearted response to that past episode. On the other hand, several Indian fans expressed disappointment, labeling the act disrespectful and unnecessary.
Asia Cup Context: The Handshake Controversy
During the Asia Cup, India faced backlash when a few of its players were seen walking off the field without shaking hands with members of the Pakistan cricket team after their group-stage encounter. The moment sparked criticism about sportsmanship and mutual respect between the two cricketing nations.
This new viral video has reignited that debate, with some fans seeing it as poetic justice, while others call for more maturity from spectators and players alike.
Social Media Reactions Highlight Divided Opinions
- Pakistani fans largely found humor in the fan’s bold act, sharing memes and light-hearted comments.
- Indian fans, however, condemned the behavior, saying it crossed the line between fun and disrespect.
- Some neutral observers pointed out that the moment reflects how cricket between India and Pakistan remains deeply emotional and politically charged, even outside the field.
Final Thoughts
While the incident has created a buzz online, it also highlights how passionate fans can sometimes blur the line between rivalry and respect. Shubman Gill’s calm and composed reaction earned him praise from many who admired his professionalism.
Cricket fans across the globe are once again reminded that while rivalries add excitement to the game, mutual respect should always remain at the heart of sportsmanship.
