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Updated February 25th, 2021 at 11:35 IST

Sunil Gavaskar leaves netizens in splits for commentary on Ben Stokes catch controversy

Sunil Gavaskar was adamant that Ben Stokes had not taken a clean catch in the second over of the opening day of the India vs England pink ball Test match.

Reported by: Aditya Desai
Sunil Gavaskar
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Hosts India dominated the opening day of the India vs England pink ball Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After bundling out the visitors for a paltry score of 112, it was essential for Virat Kohli and team to put together a strong show with the bat as well in order to gain an advantage in the contest. India got a massive reprieve early on after as Shubman Gill edged the ball straight to Ben Stokes, who was positioned at the second slip. The England side claimed the catch but the result ultimately went in India's favour.

Sunil Gavaskar's reaction to the Ben Stokes catch controversy 

The incident took place in the second over of the Indian innings. Stuart Broad bowled a spectacular delivery that nipped away a little, and Indian opener Shubman Gill failed to counter it convincingly. The ball took the outside edge and flew straight to the slip cordon. It seemed that Ben Stokes had taken a sharp, low catch, and captain Joe Root and the fielder claimed the catch. The catch was referred to the third umpire, however, the soft signal from on-field umpire Anil Chaudhary was out. 

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The third umpire C. Shamshuddin was quick to overturn the decision after noticing that the ball had brushed the grass. The decision infuriated the England team and Joe Root was also seen arguing with the officials. Sunil Gavaskar, who was on commentary, was certainly unimpressed with the proceedings. The Indian batting legend suggested that the ball had indeed touched the ground, and there was no need for any arguments. He also stated that if anyone felt otherwise, they can see him later. 

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The cricketer-turned commentator is known to not mince his words and did not shy away from making stern comments after the Ben Stokes catch incident. While netizens lauded the 71-year-old for his statement, they also had a good laugh over it. Here is how fans reacted to the former India captain's commentary - 

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Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting had also stirred a major controversy during the infamous 2008 Sydney Test match. The star batter had made a shocking appeal for a ‘grassed catch’ when MS Dhoni was on strike. While the wicketkeeper-batsman survived the appeal, the same was not the case for Sourav Ganguly. Mark Benson had ruled the left-hander out after Michael Clarke grabbed a low catch in the slip. The umpire confirmed with the captain Ricky Ponting regarding the ball not touching the ground and had adjudged Ganguly out controversially. Sunil Gavaskar had lambasted the on-field officials back then for their ordinary decision.

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Image source: PTI

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Published February 25th, 2021 at 11:35 IST

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