Cheteshwar Pujara reveals why he sledged David Warner

India’s second-innings hero Cheteshwar Pujara and off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin offered revealing insights in a video uploaded by BCCI after the dramatic Bengaluru Test. Cheteshwar Pujara revealed the sledge aimed at Australia vice-captain David Warner which landed the Indian batsman in trouble with the umpires on the final day of the second Test.

Ravi Ashwin was vocal, suggesting Steve Smith’s “brain fade” was the type of behaviour he expected to see in an “under-10 game” and not in a Test match. Pujara was spoken to by Richard Illingworth the umpire during Australia’s second innings after verbal disturbance was seen between the Indian and the visiting batsmen.

Pujara said in the video that he was reminding Warner of Ashwin’s prolific record against the left-hander. In case you didn’t know, the Bengaluru Test was the 8th time when Ashwin scalped David Warner’s wicket in Tests, the most by any bowler against the Australian batsman. This feat took Ashwin past James Anderson’s record of dismissing Warner on seven occasions.

“‘Pujji’ (Pujara) is not someone who generally says anything but, today, he got into a bit of trouble … why did you get into trouble with Richard Illingworth?” Ashwin asked Pujara.

As per India’s second innings hero, Australia’s sledging should be reverted back.

Pujara answered: “They were talking a lot and probably sledging is something which, as a unit, we felt that we can give them back”.

“They were always under pressure when they walk into bat. I wanted to make sure their batsmen are thinking about it,” Pujara added.

“Especially David Warner. Whenever he walks in to bat, Ash is always happy.

“So I always keep reminding him that Ash is the one (bowler who has dismissed Warner more than any other in Tests).”

Ashwin on the other hand had some words for his Warner’s opening partner Matt Renshaw.

“There was a lot of banter on the second day because we had to come back. We had to pump ourselves up. They were having a lot of chat on the park when we were actually going out to bat and we were down (on day one)” Ashwin revealed.

“I told Matt Renshaw when he was batting in the first innings that if they didn’t score big, I’ll have them for soup and dessert.

“I was very happy it happened.”