Ranji Trophy 2018-19: Cheteshwar Pujara refuses to walk after edging the ball
What's the story?
During a Ranji Trophy semi-final match between Saurashtra and Karnataka, the in-form Indian batsman Cheteshwar Pujara refuses to walk despite nicking a delivery of Abhimanyu Mithun. It was strange to see Pujara, who is known to be one of the honest batsmen on the field, not walk towards the pavilion despite edging the ball.
The background
Cheteshwar Pujara played an instrumental role earlier in Australia to help India win their first ever Test series. Regarded as a Test specialist, Pujara returned home after the series as the Indian team traveled to New Zealand for the ODI and T20I series. Pujara has since then been playing for his home state, Saurashtra, in the ongoing Ranji Trophy and even helped his side reach the semi-finals by playing a memorable innings in the quarter-finals.
The heart of the matter
In the 23rd over of the Saurashtra innings, Cheteshwar Pujara, who was batting at the score of 1, nicked a ball from Abhimanyu Mithun straight into the hands of the wicket-keeper. The Karnataka players appealed aggressively but the umpire did not move and so, Pujara stayed.
Star players like Karun Nair and Manish Pandey were also amongst the Karnataka players who were shocked by the on-field umpire's verdict and furious with what Pujara did.
What's next?
Pujara was finally dismissed for 45 as Saurashtra finished day two at 227 for 7. They trail Karnataka by 48 runs with three wickets in hand. The match is nicely poised and could go either way on day three. Vidharba has already qualified for this season's final as Umesh Yadav demolished Kerala with 12 wickets in the match.
Do you think Pujara should have walked after nicking the ball? Share your views in the comments box below.