'Mission Failed': Mumbai Indians take a dig at Aussie skipper Tim Paine

The banter between Rohit Sharma and Australia captain Tim Paine took a witty turn with Sharma's IPL side Mumbai Indians, too, joining in on Twitter.

In the ongoing second Test between India and Australia at Melbourne, Paine was caught on the stump-mic telling teammate Aaron Finch that, “It’s been a toss up for me between [Rajasthan] Royals and [Mumbai] Indians, and if Rohit [Sharma] hits a six here, I am changing to Mumbai [Indians].”

Sharma, who captains Mumbai Indians in the IPL, was at the striker's end while Ajinkya Rahane, who plays for Rajasthan Royals, was at the other end. Sharma was unruffled and went on to remain unbeaten on 63 (no sixes, mind you), helping India to a healthy first-innings total of 443/7 declared.

ALSO READ: India inch closer to historic 2-1 lead against Australia

When asked about Paine's comment later, Sharma replied, “I was hearing that but when I'm batting I just focus on the job at hand. But I had a chat with Ajinkya Rahane and I joked that if he (Paine) gets a hundred here, I will put in a word about him to my boss at Mumbai Indians and we'll buy him. Looks like he's a fan of Mumbai [Indians].”

With Australia chasing 399 for an unlikely win, Paine was dismissed for 26 by Ravindra Jadeja. This prompted Mumbai Indians to join the banter with this hilarious tweet.

The Aussie skipper has also been involved in similar banter with Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant. He was caught on the stump-mic telling Finch, “Tell you what, big MS (Dhoni) is back in the one-day squad too, we might get him (Pant) down to the (Hobart) Hurricanes this bloke, we need a batter. Fancy that Pant, extend your little Aussie holiday. Beautiful town Hobart too. Get you a nice apartment on the waterfront.” He went on to add, “Have him over for dinner. Can you babysit? (Can I) take the wife to the movies one night, you can look after the kids?”

Pant, who didn't take the bait then, got back at Paine later while the latter was batting. “We have got a special guest here. Have you heard the word temporary captain ever. You don't need anything to get him out. Come on boys. He (Paine) loves to talk, that's the only thing he can do. Only talking talking,” Pant was heard saying.

With Australia struggling at 258/8 at stumps on day four, India are on the verge of a famous win in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne.