Controversial Umpiring Decision Sparks Uproar; Ajinkya Rahane Called Back To Bat Again, Shardul Thakur Told To Go

sanjeev

khelja|25-01-2025

The umpires hogged limelight during the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match between Mumbai and Jammu and Kashmir at the BKC ground in Mumbai.

A highly unusual and dramatic scenario played out on the second day when Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane was asked to return to the crease several minutes after being dismissed and heading to the dressing room.

The third umpire discovered that J&K pacer Umar Nazir had overstepped, nullifying the dismissal.

The controversial moment occurred in the 25th over of Mumbai's second innings. Nazir banged in a short delivery that caught Rahane off guard, leading him to glove the ball to the keeper. Rahane promptly returned to the dressing room, and Shardul Thakur took to the field as the next batter. However, as replays loaded and the third umpire confirmed Nazir's no-ball, the on-field umpires instructed Thakur to return and called Rahane back to the crease.

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When Rahane resumed his innings, the umpires explained they had attempted to delay his exit for the no-ball review, but Rahane did not hear them. Ironically, his reprieve was short-lived, as Nazir dismissed him in his next over with a spectacular delivery. Rahane's uppish drive off a full ball outside the off-stump was brilliantly intercepted by J&K captain Paras Dogra at mid-off, who pulled off a stunning one-handed catch.

The drama didn't end there. Earlier in the match, there were instances of questionable umpiring decisions. Shreyas Iyer was controversially given out despite appearing to have nicked the ball, and Rahane was seen engaging in a discussion with the umpires over the legitimacy of the decision.

Shardul Thakur's Heroics Save Mumbai

Amid the umpiring controversies, Shardul Thakur emerged as the savior for Mumbai with a masterful innings. After conceding an 86-run first-innings deficit, Mumbai were in dire straits at 101/7 in their second innings. Thakur, along with Tanush Kotian, staged a remarkable comeback, putting together an unbeaten 173-run partnership for the eighth wicket.

Thakur's innings was a blend of grit and flair as he reached his second first-class century, remaining unbeaten on 113 off just 119 balls, which included 13 boundaries. Kotian provided solid support with a composed 58 not out off 119 deliveries, hitting six fours. By stumps on Day 2, Mumbai had reached 274/7, leading by 188 runs and giving themselves a fighting chance to stay in the match.

On Day 3, Mumbai were bowled out for 290. At the time of writing this article, Jammu and Kashmir are currently batting at 159/4.

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