Picture Credit: X
Ruturaj Gaikwad slammed umpires as well as the Services team for the controversial dismissals of his teammate in the Ranji Trophy. Gaikwad took to social media to lambast umpires as well as the rivals after his side Maharashtra found themselves on the wrong side of a controversial decision. Notably, Gaikwad is currently leading India A side for the two-match First Class tour Down Under.
He questioned the decision given by the umpire and oppositions’ appeal after Maharashtra’s stand-in captain Ankit Bawane was caught out to a questionable catch. Batting first, Services posted 293 runs in the first innings. In response, Maharashtra got off to a disastrous start and were soon reduced to 63 for three. However, Bawane stood tall and gave his side some stability with his 73-run knock. He was dismissed by left-arm spinner Amit Kumar after he was caught by SG Rohilla at second slip. The ball seemed to have bounced on the ground before reaching second slip.
Ruturaj Gaikwad slams umpires and Services team for controversial dismissal
Bawane stood and pointed that the ball bumped on the crease, but on-field umpires Nikhil Menon and P Jayapal engaged in a discussion with referee Amit Sharma to adjudge him out. This didn’t sit well with Ruturaj, who took to Instagram to express his displeasure against the umpires and the rivals. On his Instagram story, Gaikwad wrote, “How can this be given out in a live game? Shame to even appeal for a catch. Absolutely pathetic.”
The decision also left the commentators stumped and one of them said during replays, “I think it fell short at first glance. The ball has lobbed earlier and then it has gone into the hands of the fielders.” Services secured a 110-run lead over Maharashtra in the first innings.
