The ongoing Test series between India and England has turned into an absolute cinema battleground, and this time not just with the bat or ball, but also with the fierce arguments, fiery sledging, and aggressive gestures. Over the years, clashes between these two cricketing giants have gone beyond cricket and have spilled into on-field rivalries and confrontations.
This is not the first time we have seen India and England players involved in such ugly exchanges. The heated battles have a long history between these two teams. From strong words and charged-up celebrations to players getting in each other’s faces, these incidents have added drama and spice to this historic rivalry. Today, we will be looking at some of the most memorable and fiery fights between India and England players that have added more to the colorful history of the game between these rivals.
Top Fights between India and England Batters
Virat Kohli vs James Anderson
Perhaps the most iconic face-off of the modern era, the Kohli-Anderson is almost a series in itself. During India’s 2021 tour to England, tensions did hit a boiling point at Lord’s. It all started when Jasprit Bumrah peppered Anderson with a series of bouncers, leaving Anderson rattled on the ground. The next day, Kohli and Anderson were caught on stump mic exchanging words multiple times. Kohli taunted Anderson while standing at the non-striker’s end, not backing down even for a second. Despite the fiery exchanges, Kohli later showed sportsmanship by walking up to shake Anderson’s hand after India’s win. However, the series had already become memorable for this duo and fans.
Shubman Gill vs Zak Crawley
Fast forward to the current 2025 series, Indian skipper Shubman Gill and England opener Zak Crawley were involved in a heated spat on the Day 3 of the third Test at Lord’s. England players were accused of wasting time deliberately to avoid playing extra overs. Frustrated Gill was heard on the stump mic shouting “show some f****** b**** at Crawley, while other Indian players joined in with the claps and sarcastic remarks. Crawley continued to delay play with minor complaints and injury gestures, provoking Gill and taking the game for Day 4.
Ravindra Jadeja vs Brydon Carse
Another fiery incident from the ongoing India tour of England 2025 on Day 5 when Ravindra Jadeja and England bowler Brydon Carse nearly came to blows after an on-field collision. Jadeja was attempting a quick single when Carse moved into his path, resulting in a shoulder bump. Angry, Jadeja turned around and charged at Carse, ready to confront him physically. England skipper Ben Stokes then stepped in as peacemaker to calm the situation, and the umpires were forced to intervene to prevent the fight from escalating further.
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Rishabh Pant vs Ollie Robinson & Jos Buttler
During the 2021 tour game at Lord’s Test, Rishabh pant wasn’t far behind in adding fuel to the fire. In India’s second innings, Pant exchanged words with Jos Buttler and Ollie Robinson, who were desperately trying to save the game for England. Pant, known for his cheeky and fearless nature, teased the English batters while they were batting under pressure. The verbal exchange kept the atmosphere charged and showcased Pant’s role as a batter and mental game disruptor bringing out another side of him.
Mohammed Siraj vs England Batters (Ben Duckett & James Anderson)
Mohammed Siraj has become one of India’s most aggressive bowlers on the field and he is never afraid to let the batters know what he feels. During the same series of 2021 tour, Siraj fiery celebrations and direct sledding after dismissing James Anderson for a duck captured headlines. And not just the 2021 tour, Siraj was seen exchanging words with Ben Duckett after dismissing him cheaply in the 2025 India tour of England and was even seen celebrating aggressively right in his face. His ability to get under the skin of the opposition has made him one of the most watchable characters in the India-England rivalry.
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Hardik Pandya vs Joe Root & the England Team
Hardik Pandya has also had his share of heated moments with the English players. During the 2018 series in England, Pandya was seen involved with Joe Root and other English players after he dismissed Root and celebrated with a loud, charged-up send-off. Pandya’s celebration and some choice of words didn’t sit well with the Root and English camps. Starting with the celebration the moment then turned into a full-blown war of words.
