Pant and Sarfaraz’s ‘sword’ banter goes viral during India-Sri Lanka Test

Rishabh Pant and Sarfaraz Khan had fans in splits with their stump-mic banter during Day 3 of the first Test against Sri Lanka. The conversation, picked up by microphones, was aimed at Ravindra Jadeja, who was yet to bowl. Sarfaraz told Jadeja to wait as the bowlers would share the wickets. Pant then added, 'Aur sab talvaar chalayenge,' referencing Jadeja's signature sword-swinging celebration.

On the field, India took a 178-run first-innings lead after bowling Sri Lanka out for 284. Debutant Manav Suthar took 4-76, striking with his first ball, while Jadeja took 3-57 and crossed 350 Test wickets. Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna took one each.

Sri Lanka had earlier recovered from 90-5 through a 146-run stand between Sonal Dinusha and Niroshan Dickwella, but India's bowlers ultimately dominated. The first Test continues.