Aakash Chopra, former Indian batsman, shared a fascinating anecdote involving Australian cricketing icon Matthew Hayden. Chopra detailed an instance where Hayden attempted to engage in sledging during the 2004 Test series between India and Australia. The surprising factor was that Chopra wasn’t in the playing XI at the time.
Chopra, speaking on the show, recalled how Hayden initiated the sledging despite Chopra not being in the team. Chopra questioned Hayden’s actions, and the Australian asked about the pitch conditions. Chopra responded, pointing out that Hayden, as the batsman, should be more familiar with the pitch, while he was just on the field briefly. Hayden didn’t seem pleased.
Matthew Hayden, who made his debut for Australia in 1993, had an illustrious career. In 2004, he scored 380 runs against Zimbabwe, setting a new benchmark for Test cricket. Brian Lara later surpassed this with an unbeaten 400. Hayden retired in 2008, with 103 Test appearances and 8625 runs, including 30 centuries. He also performed well in white-ball cricket, accumulating 6133 runs in 161 ODIs and 308 runs in 8 T20s.
Grace Hayden, Matthew Hayden’s daughter, currently serves as an anchor for the Delhi Premier League 2025 and has worked with Star Sports for the Indian Premier League. She is also a friend of Sachin Tendulkar’s daughter. When asked about her favorite Indian cricketer, Grace Hayden named Virat Kohli.
Both Matthew Hayden and Aakash Chopra have excelled as commentators after their international careers. Chopra also maintains a YouTube channel where he discusses cricket performances. Aakash Chopra played 10 Tests for India, amassing 437 runs with an average of 23, including two half-centuries.