KL Rahul has been struggling with the bat for a while now, something even his ardent fans will agree to. Rahul has been given a long rope to hold on to, despite his inability to give India a decent start. Some would say he ought to be on the bench for a while, but even they would agree that his effort during Day 3 of the Sydney Test is worth applause.
In the 15th over of Australia’s first innings, Marcus Harris miscued an aerial shot towards long on, when Ravindra Jadeja was bowling. Rahul was on mid-on position and dived forward to take the catch. The ball reached his hands on the bounce which was quite evident in the replay, but not to the naked eye.
The Indian had started celebrating the much-needed breakthrough early in Day 3, but the 26-year-old signaled that hadn’t caught the ball in time. Though he looked visibly unhappy with himself for dropping, his honesty got him an applause from the crowd.
Veteran umpire, Ian Gould, gave him a thumps up as well, for showing true sportsmanship. Often players wait for the third umpire’s decision in cases like these, but Rahul signaled in an instant that the ball had not carried through. The commentators appreciated the opener’s honesty as well.
A good effort from Rahul and he immediately says it bounced. Great stuff. Umpire Gould a big fan of it #CloseMatters#AUSvIND | @GilletteAU pic.twitter.com/7nA0H5Lsc7
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2019
Here’s how Twitter saluted his honesty:
Great Sportsmanship exhibited by KL Rahul. The Indian team has played cricket in this entire series with the right spirit. Winning hearts and fans across ! #CloseMatters #AUSvIND
— Vagabond (@mitzone) January 5, 2019
But he chose not to do it
But can he do it like Ricky Ponting of @CricketAus ?#Gentleman‘s game pic.twitter.com/Sn3gyrgUh4
— Kunal and 132 others (@KunalKriplani) January 5, 2019
One more Ricky Ponting reference
Same ground 10 years ago… Captain of a strongest team claimed it…
— Bhuvnesh Sharma (@bhuvnsharma) January 5, 2019
You know you are doing something right when the umpire appreciates you
Brilliant stuff @klrahul11 and great gesture from Unpire Gouldie !!
— Subbu (@subbaraman_k) January 5, 2019
Yes, it is
Harris had already started walking back 2 pavilion. #SipritOfCricket is still alive
— Rising_Rahul (@BoleToRahul) January 5, 2019
Some find negativity in everything
Only when they’re winning are they honest…spare me the Indian platitudes. Claiming Hazelwood was wrong, they knew it but cheated anyway. Funny how Indians think about honesty when things go their way only otherwise it’s out with the tanturms, march offs etc…
— Shane Rayment (@RaymentShane) January 5, 2019
Bit cheeky
Great to see, unlike sandpaper boys
— Wes (@Wes_2222) January 5, 2019
The Karnataka batsman is working hard to get back to score big. He’s made just 57 runs from 5 innings, unfortunately. However, he can be seen working on his technique in the nets right after losing his wicket.
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