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Aakash Chopra questioned Suryakumar Yadav’s withdrawal of a run-out appeal against uae’S Junaid Siddique in the Asia CuP, warning it could set a risky precedent.
Suryakumar Yadav with UAE’s Junaid Siddique (AP)
Former India opener Aakash Chopra has questioned India captain Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to withdraw a run-out appeal against UAE batter Junaid Siddique during their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai.
Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s T20 Time Out, Chopra suggested SKY’s choice was circumstantial and could set a dangerous precedent.
“It’s event-specific in my opinion. It wouldn’t have happened if [Pakistan’s] Salman Agha was batting on the 14th [of September] and the game was in the balance. If he’s just roaming around, he [Suryakumar] won’t do that,” Chopra said.
Chopra praised Sanju Samson’s sharp throw but maintained the decision should have stood.
“It was a good throw, presence of mind from Sanju to hit the stumps. If he was outside the crease, it should be out, in my opinion. But opinions may vary.”
He warned that blending “ethics and generosity” with the rulebook could open “a can of worms.”
“It’s like walking. You nick it and you walk. But the day you don’t walk, that’s the day that decides which side of the divide you are on. If it is within the rules and the umpire has given it out, just stay out. That’s it.”
The Controversial 13th Over
Facing Shivam Dube, Junaid Siddique stepped out of his crease after the bowler’s towel slipped mid-delivery. Instead of running, he gestured toward the towel.
Seizing the moment, wicketkeeper Sanju Samson threw down the stumps. Replays confirmed Siddique would have been run out, but before the third umpire could make the call, India withdrew their appeal at the behest of Suryakumar Yadav, who signaled it was not in the “spirit of the game.”
The gesture drew applause from the Dubai crowd and commentators. Ironically, Siddique was dismissed off the very next ball, and UAE were bowled out for 57 in 13.1 overs. India chased the target in just 4.3 overs, sealing a nine-wicket win.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
September 11, 2025, 12:06 IST
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