New Delhi, Aug. 17 -- Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared the story behind his famous 'tongue out' celebration during the Perth Test match in 2008. Pathan noted how his celebration came in response to some racial gestures made by the Australian crowd.

In an interaction with The Lallantop, Pathan said, "When I was fielding at the boundary line, they targeted me by saying things like, 'You have eaten Indian curry, you're smelling like Indian curry.' The Australian crowd try to get under your skin. I didn't change my field position and instead gave them replies," Irfan said during an interview with The Lallantop.

"When I took a wicket, I took my tongue out to indicate that my tongue is very clean and there's no smell. So, that...