Indian fans face racist ‘Where’s your visa’ chants at MCG during India-Australia Test?

India and Australia currently face each other at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the fifth Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. However, the fourth Test series between India and Australia has been overshadowed by a worrying incident of racism at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). A viral video has emerged showing Australian fans directing offensive chants towards Indian fans during the Boxing Day Test last month, sparking outrage on social media.

In the clip, Australian fans can be heard shouting “Where’s your visa?” to Indian spectators, a deeply offensive comment that has reignited the conversation about racism in cricket stadiums. The video, originally filmed during the Melbourne test, resurfaced during the series finale in Sydney, forcing the issue back into the spotlight.

Racist chants spark outrage

The video has sparked widespread condemnation from cricket fans and former players. Many denounced the unacceptable behavior and demanded stronger action from Cricket Australia and stadium authorities to curb racism at matches.

The incident is reminiscent of previous episodes of racial abuse that Indian players and fans have faced in Australia. In the 2021 Border-Gavaskar series, Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah were subjected to racial taunts from the Sydney crowd.

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with many labeling the chants “pure racism.”

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The Battle of India on the battlefield in Sydney

Despite off-field controversy, the fifth Test in Sydney remains close. Rishabh Pant lit up Day 2 with a stunning counter-attack, scoring the second-fastest half-century for India in Test cricket.

Pant reached his fifty off just 29 balls, and his explosive knock helped India build a crucial 145-run lead. His innings included several big hits, and the keeper-batsman showed no fear in the face of Australia’s formidable bowling attack.

Pant’s scorching knock ended at 61 off 33 balls when Pat Cummins removed him. However, it was Scott Boland who caused the most damage to the Indian batting line-up, finishing with figures of 4-42.

On Day 2, India stood at 141/6, with Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar holding the fort. The visitors aim to set a competitive goal on a difficult SCG field.

Bumrah’s uncertain involvement

There is still uncertainty over whether stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah will bowl in Australia’s second innings. Bumrah left the field for scans on Day 2 after appearing to suffer discomfort.

If Bumrah remains unavailable, India’s bowling unit will rely heavily on Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna to defend the target.

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