The sight of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli destroying opposition bowlers with their bat is nothing new, but both of them have a heated argument with the on-field umpires, which doesn’t happen often on the cricket field. But on the fourth day of the first Test of India against New Zealand in Bengaluru, it was.
After being bowled out for 46 in the first innings, no one would have thought that India would be able to win the first Test against New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant played knocks of 150 and 99 respectively and led India’s defense. However, once those two batters were dismissed, New Zealand made quick work of the tail. India lost their last seven wickets for just 54 runs. Before being bowled out, India were leading by 106 runs.
With the ball in hand, India looked to deliver a dominant performance as overcast conditions gave the hosts favorable bowling conditions for the first time in the Test. But just four days after the innings began, the umpires reported bad light and the players had to leave the field.
However, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli were not happy with the field umpires’ call and the duo fell out with both Paul Reiffel and Michael Gough. While the duo argued with the umpires, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Siraj also came closer to see what the discussion was about.
After stumps were finally decided on the fourth day, Rohit Sharma was also seen chatting with umpire David Boon. The duo were engaged in quite a lively chat and looking at the pictures, it seems like David Boon wanted to make Rohit understand the situation behind the umpires calling for bad light.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli argue with the umpires
It is not certain what Rohit Sharma asked the umpires, but it can be assumed that Rohit may have asked the umpires if he could bowl.
For those inexperienced, the referees had taken a bad light measurement on the second day and this was taken as a benchmark.
As soon as the players left the stadium due to poor lighting, the grounds staff covered the ceiling. The Indian team then went back to the dressing room.
Soon it began to rain heavily and eventually tree stumps were torn. New Zealand now need 107 runs to win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Coming back to the ongoing game, India were bowled out for 462 in the second innings. Sarfaraz Khan was the top scorer with 150 runs. Rishabh Pant was dismissed for the seventh time in his Test career in the 1990s.
For New Zealand, William O’Rourke was the pick of the bowlers in the second innings as he took the crucial wickets of Rishabh Pant. He also dismissed KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja.