Ajinkya Rahane praised the Indian team for showing sportsmanship against UAE in their first game in Asia Cup 2025. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane said what captain Suryakumar Yadav did is what the game is about.
“It was a great call by Team India and captain Surya because Junaid was not looking for a run. I guess he was not aware of where the crease was,” said Rahane.
In the match during the 13th over of the UAE innings, Junaid Siddique was dismissed in a moment of carelessness. After facing a bouncer from Shivam Dube, he went out of the crease while trying to signal something to the umpire.
Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson dislodged the bails and appealed. The third umpire’s decision was out as Siddique was out of the crease when the bails were taken off. Suryakumar had a quick word with the on-field umpire and withdrew the appeal.
“As a wicketkeeper or a fielder, when you get the ball in hand, your instinct is to aim at the stumps. But it was the right call made by Team India. 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.”
It was done because it became clear that Siddique’s distraction was caused by Dube’s towel slipping from his waist during the run-up. The camera showed Siddique pointing it out to the umpire as he stepped out of his crease. Though Siddique was out according to the rules, India allowed him to continue.
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