the art of verbal intimidation or banter — has had some iconic moments in IPL history, especially with the league's mix of fiery personalities, high stakes, and intense rivalries. Here are some of the biggest and most memorable sledge moments in IPL history:
🔥 1. Virat Kohli vs. Gautam Gambhir (2013 & 2023)
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What happened: After Kohli was dismissed in a 2013 match between RCB and KKR, he exchanged heated words with then-KKR captain Gambhir. Things escalated until teammates separated them.
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A repeat in 2023, post a fiery LSG-RCB match, saw Kohli and Gambhir (then mentor of LSG) clash again — a rare sequel a decade apart.
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Why iconic: Two aggressive Delhi boys, both captains, with pride and intensity boiling over.
💥 2. Harbhajan Singh slaps Sreesanth (2008)
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What happened: In one of IPL’s earliest and most controversial moments, Harbhajan slapped Sreesanth after a heated MI vs. KXIP match.
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Sreesanth’s tears post-match became a viral image.
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Why iconic: It wasn’t sledging as much as it was physical escalation — and it led to Harbhajan being banned for the season.
😡 3. Kieron Pollard vs. Mitchell Starc (2014)
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What happened: Starc bowled a fiery bouncer and exchanged words with Pollard. Pollard backed away on the next ball, but Starc followed through anyway — prompting Pollard to hurl his bat in Starc’s direction (thankfully, it landed harmlessly).
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Why iconic: Probably the closest IPL has come to real on-field conflict involving a flying bat.
🧨 4. MS Dhoni storming the field (2019)
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What happened: During a tense finish against Rajasthan Royals, Dhoni, usually ice-cool, stormed onto the field from the dugout to argue a no-ball decision.
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Why iconic: It wasn’t traditional sledging, but the tension and Dhoni’s uncharacteristic outburst spoke volumes about pressure boiling over.
🎯 5. Ben Stokes vs. Kieron Pollard (2019)
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What happened: During an MI-RR match, both all-rounders got into a stare-down and exchanged animated words. Pollard’s expressive mocking and Stokes’s scowl made it memorable.
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Why iconic: Two strong-willed international stars with zero chill in the heat of battle.
🗣️ 6. Shane Warne vs. Sourav Ganguly (2008)
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What happened: In a classic early IPL moment, Ganguly challenged a catch claimed by Warne’s teammate. Warne was livid, sparking a war of words.
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Why iconic: Two alpha captains, old Test rivals, clashing in IPL's inaugural season.
😠 7. Rishabh Pant vs. Tim Southee & Virat Kohli (2018)
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What happened: Pant, then with Delhi Daredevils, had a chirpy exchange with RCB’s Kohli and Southee. A mic picked up Pant taunting: “Ek aur over daal de Southee, waise bhi 22 mein 4 de chuka hai!”
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Why iconic: Pant's youthful cheek and fearless banter made this a fan-favorite sledging moment.
🎤 8. Chris Gayle’s reply to Gautam Gambhir (2012)
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What happened: Gambhir tried to get under Gayle’s skin during an RCB vs. KKR game, but Gayle, unfazed, just smiled and kept hitting sixes.
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Why iconic: Gayle’s silence and carnage were the best sledge — a masterclass in letting the bat do the talking.
🧠 Honourable Mentions:
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David Warner vs. Rohit Sharma – Sharp exchanges in 2015 amid rising tensions between MI and SRH.
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Suresh Raina vs. Pollard (2014) – Raina’s sledging backfired after Pollard smashed a brutal knock in the same match.
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KL Rahul vs. Harshal Patel (2023) – Not verbal, but full of intense stares, smirks, and silent taunts.
🏆 Sledging Moments: Quick Recap Table
| Year |
Players Involved |
Incident |
| 2008 |
Harbhajan vs. Sreesanth |
Infamous slap gate |
| 2013/2023 |
Kohli vs. Gambhir |
Two eras, same fire |
| 2014 |
Pollard vs. Starc |
Bat throw drama |
| 2019 |
Dhoni |
Walked onto field to confront umpire |
| 2019 |
Stokes vs. Pollard |
On-field sparks |
| 2008 |
Warne vs. Ganguly |
Catch dispute |
| 2018 |
Pant vs. Kohli & Southee |
Mic’d-up banter |
| 2012 |
Gayle vs. Gambhir |
Bat answered sledges |
Would you like a fun visual or timeline of these sledging moments? Or maybe a comparison between IPL and international sledging culture?