Dubai: Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav withdrew an appeal against UAE batter Junaid Siddique, despite the third umpire ruling him out. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra suggested that Suryakumar’s decision was influenced by the match situation and noted it might not have occurred if India were facing Pakistan.
The incident unfolded in the 13th over of the UAE innings. Siddique was stumped after being distracted by a towel that fell during Shivam Dube’s run-up. While Siddique tried to play the ball, he missed it. Sanju Samson quickly noticed Siddique outside the crease and executed an underarm direct hit, but India chose to withdraw the appeal.
Chopra commented, “It’s event-specific. It wouldn’t have happened if Pakistan’s Salman Agha was playing on the 14th in a crucial situation. Sanju’s throw was excellent, showing great presence of mind.”
Chopra added that decisions should follow the rules strictly, warning against mixing ethics or generosity, which could lead to controversy and inconsistency. “If he was outside the crease, he should be out. Introducing ethics opens a can of worms—‘Why this today and not tomorrow?’” he said.
He further explained, “If you allow generosity, it’s like walking after a nick. But the day you don’t, you’re seen as hypocritical. SKY acted within the rules, and the umpire had given it out—so that’s enough.”
Siddique was soon dismissed, hitting straight to Suryakumar for a three-ball duck.
India’s bowlers dominated, with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav leading the charge. UAE were restricted to 57, their second-lowest total in T20 Asia Cup history. Kuldeep took four wickets, while Shivam Dube’s tight seam bowling yielded 3/4, wreaking havoc on the UAE lineup.
In response, India completed their fastest T20I chase in terms of overs remaining, surpassing their previous 6.3-over chase against Scotland during the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai.
