Irfan Pathan Reveals Story Behind 'Tongue Out' Celebration: 'Smelling Like Indian Curry'
Irfan Pathan revealed his 'tongue out' celebration in the 2008 Perth Test was a response to racial taunts from the Australian crowd.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan recently shared several untold stories from his playing days, including the true inspiration behind his iconic 'tongue out' celebration during the 2008 Perth Test against Australia.
India and Australia have always had a fierce on-field rivalry, characterised by intense competition and heated moments. The 2007-08 series was no exception, filled with controversies and spirited battles. During the Perth Test, while Irfan was fielding near the boundary, he was subjected to racial taunts from a section of the Australian crowd.
'When I was fielding at the boundary line, they targeted me by saying things like, 'You have eaten Indian curry, you're smelling like Indian curry.' The Australian crowd try to get under your skin," Irfan was quoted as saying in an interview with The Lallantop.
Instead of moving away, Irfan chose to respond in his own unique way. 'I didn't change my field position and instead gave them replies. 'When I took a wicket, I took my tongue out to indicate that my tongue is very clean and there's no smell. So, that celebration was for the crowd," he explained.
India went on to win that historic Perth Test by 72 runs, marking one of their most famous overseas victories. Irfan was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance, scoring 28 and 26 runs in the two innings and taking five wickets to help India bounce back in the series.
However, alongside these highs, Irfan also faced career setbacks. He recalled how in 2009, despite performing well in Sri Lanka alongside his brother Yusuf Pathan — where India chased down 60 runs off just 27-28 balls — he was sidelined during the New Zealand tour.
'It was back in 2009, when we were in New Zealand. Before that, my brother (Yusuf Pathan) and I had won matches in Sri Lanka. The situation in which we had pulled a win – if it had been anyone else in our place, they wouldn't have been dropped for a year. In that match against Sri Lanka, we needed 60 runs from just 27-28 balls, and we won it from there," Irfan was quoted as saying to The Lallantop.
'In New Zealand, I was benched for the first match, the second match, and the third match as well. The fourth match was a draw because of rain. I wasn't in the final match either. Then I asked Gary sir why I had been dropped. If there was something I needed to improve, he could tell me, but I wanted to know the reason I was left out," he added.
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