Mumbai: Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to withdraw an appeal against UAE batter Junaid Siddique during the Asia Cup has divided opinions, though India batter Ajinkya Rahane was quick to hail it as an act of true sportsmanship.
The incident unfolded in the 13th over of the UAE innings when Siddique, distracted after bowler Shivam Dube dropped a towel, failed to return to the crease after missing a pull shot. Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson struck the stumps with a sharp underarm throw, and the third umpire ruled Siddique out.
However, Suryakumar intervened after a brief discussion with the on-field umpire and withdrew the appeal, allowing Siddique to continue. The reprieve did not last long, as the batter was dismissed later in the same over without scoring.
Rahane lauded the gesture. “It was a great call by Team India and captain Surya because Junaid was not looking for a run. They have shown great character and very good sportsman’s spirit. That’s what you want to see in cricket – you play hard, but you play fair,” he said on his YouTube channel.
Yet not everyone agreed. Former opener Aakash Chopra argued that such generosity would not have been shown in a bigger contest. “This would not have happened if the batter was Pakistan captain Salman Agha,” Chopra remarked.
The incident has sparked a debate: was it the right call in a competitive tournament, or a missed chance to assert India’s dominance?
