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Day 2 of the 4th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) witnessed a controversial moment that sparked debates across the cricketing world. Yashasvi Jaiswal, having built a solid 100+ run partnership with Virat Kohli, was run-out after a miscommunication with his senior partner. This unfortunate mix-up has led to a heated exchange of opinions, especially between former cricketers Sanjay Manjrekar and Irfan Pathan.
The Run-Out Incident
During Scott Boland’s over, the two batters found themselves in a classic yes-no situation. Kohli stayed deep in his crease while Jaiswal committed to running, only to be caught in no man’s land. Pat Cummins’ lackluster throw and Alex Carey’s calm collection still managed to result in Jaiswal’s dismissal. This mishap turned the tide against India, fueling intense discussions among cricket pundits.
A massive mix-up between Virat Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal sees Jaiswal run out for 82! #AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/a9G4uZwYIk
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 27, 2024
Manjrekar Blames Kohli
Post-match analysis on Star Sports saw Sanjay Manjrekar pointing fingers at Kohli. “It was a schoolboy error,” Manjrekar said. He criticized Kohli for looking away after Jaiswal’s call, arguing that as the senior batter, Kohli should have immediately sent Jaiswal back. “It appeared Kohli wanted the strike for the next over and neglected his responsibility,” he added.
Pathan Defends Kohli
Irfan Pathan, however, defended Kohli, emphasizing that no run was available in the first place. “The striker needs to assess the situation better. Cummins’ relaxed throw showed there was no urgency for a run,” Pathan stated. He highlighted that both batters should have exercised caution, as such miscommunication could lead to avoidable dismissals.
Kalesh between Irfan and Sanjay Manjrekar 😭 pic.twitter.com/9Ucs6FU3pb
— Pallavi Anand (@PallaviSAnand) December 27, 2024
A Mixed Outcome for India
Despite the drama, Jaiswal impressed with a stellar 82 off 118 balls, showcasing his talent against a tough Australian bowling attack. Kohli, however, managed a subdued 36 off 86 balls, leaving fans to debate the turning point of the innings.
The Verdict
The debate rages on—was it Kohli’s lapse in judgment or Jaiswal’s misread of the situation? This incident underscores the importance of clear communication and quick decision-making in the heat of a Test match.
