1. Monkeygate Scandal

The Monkeygate Scandal was possibly the most controversial incident regarding a robust Test match clash between India and Australia. The incident involving Harbhajan Singh and Andrew Symonds occurred at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The Australian all-rounder accused the Indian spinner of using the racial epithet "monkey" when the former was batting.

Both teams went on to defend their players, with India maintaining Harbhajan did not racially slur the Australian player. The International Cricket Council (ICC) subsequently suspended the Indian spinner for three matches. However, the restriction was eventually lifted due to a lack of proof.

2. A not-so-good Virat Kohli & Aussies Crowd affair

This incident is all about a young Virat Kohli who lost his cool after receiving repeated taunting from the SCG crowd. In reaction, Kohli showed the middle finger to spectators, resulting in an ICC punishment. Kohli then justified his response, claiming constant insults. 

The incident highlighted the emotional toll of playing in challenging conditions and signalled the start of Kohli's angry character on the international scene. Kohli's reply sparked uproar, and his photo of a middle finger appeared on the top page of newspapers the next day. As a result, Kohli was penalized 50% of his match money, yet this remains one of the most profound controversies in the world of BGT.

3. Glenn Maxwell mocking Virat Kohli's shoulder injury

Another issue erupted during one of the BGT’s when Glenn Maxwell criticised Virat Kohli's shoulder injury. During the third Test in Ranchi, Indian captain Virat Kohli hurt his shoulder while diving to rescue a boundary in the first innings. He had to leave the pitch as India batted after Australia made 451 runs.

While Maxwell was fielding impeccably, in one instance, he placed a hand on his right shoulder, mimicking Kohli, who had suffered the same injury. However, coming to play in the second innings, after Ravindra Jadeja sent David Warner out for 14 runs, Kohli made the same move as Maxwell by patting vehemently on his shoulder as a response to the Aussies all-rounder.

4. Banter slurs between Ravichandran Ashwin & Tim Paine

This moment comes from the grounds of SCG again, former Australian captain Tim Paine sledged Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. In the fourth innings of the gruelling encounter, India faced a challenging 407-run target. 

While Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari battled to salvage the game with tenacity, Paine attempted to break Ashwin's concentration by sledging. The exchange went with Tim Paine saying, "I can't wait to get you to the Gabba, Ash, I'll tell you what, woohoo". Ashwin responded, "Just like we wanna get you to India. That will be your last series". Overall, this indeed comes under the category of a serious-tone banter. 

5. Mohammed Siraj's racial abuse trial

This incident comes as a follow-up from the third Test of the previous controversy. This time, it's not the players but the hostile Aussies fans. Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah were subjected to racial slurs from the Australian audience at the SCG on the third and fourth day of the game.

The Indian cricketers were called monkeys, wankers, and other abusive slang by the audience in the stands. As the match paused for a few seconds, India's stand-in captain, Ajinkya Rahane, spoke up for his players and with the authorities. The Indian team filed an official complaint with the ICC. Also, the Australian players backed their Indian counterparts, with skipper Tim Paine even attending the visiting team huddle following Siraj's concerns on the fourth day of the draw.