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'Umpire Made The Right Call': Sanjay Manjrekar Defends Virat Kohli In Iffy Steve Smith Catch

Soumyajit Dutta

Sanjay Manjrekar defends Virat Kohli in controversial catch [Source: @StarSportsIndia/X.com]Sanjay Manjrekar defends Virat Kohli in controversial catch [Source: @StarSportsIndia/X.com]

The fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground saw a controversial moment when Steve Smith’s catch to dismiss Virat Kohli was reviewed by the TV umpire. Smith, diving at second slip, seemed to take a clean catch off Scott Boland’s delivery, but after replays, the third umpire ruled the ball had touched the ground, giving Kohli a reprieve.

In an unexpected turn of events, commentator Sanjay Manjrekar, known for his sharp critiques of Indian cricketers, came to Kohli’s defense. Manjrekar, who had previously blamed Kohli for a run-out mix-up involving Yashasvi Jaiswal, surprised many by supporting the umpire’s decision. 

Manjrekar Supports TV Umpire's Decision, Backs Kohli

Manjrekar came in support of the umpire and backed Kohli which raised many eyebrows as the commentator usually is very picky and criticizes the India star most of the times.

“Steve Smith is still frustrated because he believes he took a clean catch, but the on-field umpire made the right call. He referred it to the third umpire for further scrutiny. When you’re reviewing a frame where the ball touches the grass for just a fraction of a second, it’s bound to raise doubts."

Manjrekar further supported Joel Wilson, the TV umpire while taking a dig at the on-field umpire because of his blunder.

"Joel Wilson’s decision was absolutely spot-on. The TV umpire was excellent in his review. While the on-field umpire might not have been as precise, the TV umpire got it right. In the end, what was seen was declared, and that’s all we can go by."

Smith, on the other hand, was adamant about the legitimacy of the catch. In a mid-match interview, he expressed his frustration. 

“I’m 100 percent sure it was a clean catch. I saw the ball in my hands, and I know what I felt. But I understand the process. The umpires reviewed it, and that’s the decision they made.”

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, in the commentary box, also threw his weight behind Smith. Ponting, who has always been vocal about his views on the game gave his opinion.

"I've seen the replay several times and believe Steve’s fingers were under the ball. If it had slipped, he wouldn't have been able to scoop it up like that. It looked like a clean catch, and Smith was unlucky with the ruling."

Ponting’s comments added further fuel to the debate, with many fans and experts divided over the decision. However, while the drama continues off-field, India has been slacking as Australian bowlers turn up the heat of the game early in the day.

Earlier in the day, both Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul were dismissed, and Shubman Gill didn't last long either falling prey to Nathan Lyon. After lunch, India is back with Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli at the crease, trying to form a partnership that can last and weather India out of the Australian storm.