David Warner celebrates a dismissal with Allu Arjun’s iconic Pushpa gesture

Regardless of Austrialian team’s worrying form in the recent weeks, it goes without saying that the nation is one among the few favourites to win the ICC Cricket World Cup to be held in India. The team is clashing against Pakistan today for a practice match in Hyderabad. Pakistan was sent on a leather hunt after Australia posted an impressive 351/7 in their allocated 50 overs.

Also read: David Warner on growing up in a rough neighbourhood in Australia 

After impressing with the bat, scoring a pacy 48, Australian opener David Warner continued to be a local favourite with Hyderabadi crowds as he entered the field as well. While holding onto an easy catch at mid-on to dismiss Pakistani batsman Abdullah Shafique in the 13th over, Warner surprised crowds with his celebration, recreating Allu Arjun’s hand gesture from Pushpa (where he says Thaggede Le).

That’s not all, Warner even grooved to Pushpa’s Srivalli during an over break, receiving a rousing thumbs-up from crowds. His obsession with the film dates back to 2021, when he posted a series of videos, recreating the iconic moments of Pushpa - from the famous gesture to the songs and dialogues - along with his kids and his better half on social media.

The local touch to the cricket match brought some much needed smiles among spectators. The cricketer has had a good day on the field, holding onto four catches on the whole. He’s always been held in high esteem by Hyderabadi crowds for his contribution to the IPL domestic team Sun Risers Hyderabad between 2014 and 2021.

He had also captained the team when it had won the title in 2016, defeating Royal Challengers Bangalore by 8 runs in Bengaluru. Several cricket enthusiasts expressed their disappointment when he was unceremoniously removed as a captain and dropped later from the team as well. He’s currently the captain of Delhi Capitals.

Also read: Confirmed! Allu Arjun to join hands with Jawan duo Atlee, Anirudh