The old-world charm and chivalry associated with the game of cricket as a gentleman's game have somewhat dwindled in the current era. As Team India transformed from a meek minnow into a rampaging giant, it brought in its wake a combative approach that saw the team register emphatic victories. In recent times, however, the approach has often rubbed other teams the wrong way.
With no scope for physicality in non-contact sports, the game has seen an uptick in temperamental displays by Indian players in recent years. A succession of controversies both on international and domestic levels have left match officials scratching their heads.
Here are five recent incidents where Indian cricketers have crossed the thin veil of decorum
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal: A Headbutt in Colombo
Star opener Yashasvi Jaiswal became a discussion topic on the International Cricket Council (ICC) after having a physical altercation with the bowler in the Second Test against Sri Lanka on the first day.
Jaiswal was out after an inswinger from Asitha Fernando. He walked back to the pavilion in an annoyed mood on the slow bounce of a ball. But when Fernando gave a very rude gesture his way, the young player immediately turned back in anger and headbutted Fernando with his helmet. Fielders managed to separate them on the verge of another serious confrontation. However, since the first-hander had initiated the on-field fight, he was under the scanner from the match referee Andy Pycroft.
2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: Shoving Match at 'A' Level
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became a central character in a cricket row on an 'A' level match between India 'A' and Sri Lanka 'A'. A Super Over was needed to decide the outcome as the initial match was tied when the two sides played each other at Colombo.
Afterwards, an argument broke out between Sooryavanshi and Vishen Halambage, with the latter being pushed by the 15-year-old wonder-keeper. Team-mates had to intervene before the situation got out of hand. While some critics said that body contact should be penalized according to age, others said it was unfair. Since the match was unofficial, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to take no action against the junior player for not upholding the match spirit.
3. Virat Kohli: The MCG Mid-Pitch Shoulder Charge
While Virat Kohli is known for his aggressive style of batting and leadership skills, it was his uncharacteristic shoulder charge in Australia during the Boxing Day Test match of 2024-25 that created a storm of controversy in the cricket fraternity.
After completing his bowling, Kohli walked to the end of the non-striker's end where debutant Sam Konstas was waiting. Instead of walking away from each other, the two players charged at a full pace and bumped into each other. Both of them exchanged a few harsh words. It took a while before the umpire Michael Gough and opener Usman Khawaja managed to pull them apart. Kohli was fined 20 per cent of his match fees and received one demerit point from the ICC.
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4. Arshdeep Singh: Frustration in the World Cup Final
Arshdeep Singh, who is known for his accuracy and persistence, had a run of bad luck in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 held in Ahmedabad. With tensions already high, the left-arm bowler's frustration boiled over in the World Cup final when an easy yorker from him was returned to him by Daryl Mitchell of New Zealand.
Arshdeep fielded the ball and then threw it at the batter's legs, which earned him a heavy rebuke from Mitchell. The star pacer had to be stopped by the captain Suryakumar Yadav, with the umpire Richard Illingworth also talking to him about the bad light. Arshdeep apologized to Mitchell both during and after the match. Nevertheless, he was fined 15 percent of the match fee and received a warning.
5. Gurnoor Brar: Edgbaston Throw and Send-Off
Fast bowler Gurnoor Brar lost his cool against England at Edgbaston while on international duty. Brar was hit for six by the opening batter Ben Duckett. Brar immediately gathered the next drive and hurled the ball back at Duckett, missing him and sparking an argument in the middle of the pitch. Brar was angry and used the same aggression the next time he bowled, dismissing the opener.
Although the ICC did not penalize him financially for his outburst and the on-field altercation, a demerit point was recorded against the rookie's name.