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The third and much-hyped match of Asia Cup 2023 between India and Pakistan was called off due to rain, and both teams were handed a point each. Although the match didn’t see the second innings take place after Pakistan bowled out India for 266 in 48.5 overs, it witnessed Pakistan’s Haris Rauf give an aggressive send-off to India’s Ishan Kishan which incident didn’t go down well with fans and experts.
Kishan scored a brilliant 82 runs from 81 deliveries and bailed the team out of danger after India were pushed on the backfoot by the Pakistan pace battery. However, he missed on his well-deserved hundred and was dismissed by Rauf in the 38th over.
Haris Rauf gives an aggressive send-off to Ishan Kishan
Kishan’s dismissal was followed by an aggressive send-off by Rauf, where he gestured ‘get out’ to the Indian batter. The incident was heavily criticized by many on social media, and some even slammed Indian players over maintaining a camaraderie with Pakistan despite such acts. It is worth mentioning that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were seen greeting a few Pakistan players ahead of the clash, including Rauf.
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Gautam Gambhir lashes out at Indian players
India’s veteran batter turned commentator Gautam Gambhir also lashed out at Rohit and Co. for being too friendly with Pakistan team members. Gambhir advised players to leave their friendships outside the boundary ropes and maintain a fierce game face during international matches. He stressed that players represent not just themselves but also a nation of over a billion people when they take the field.
“When you play on the field for your national team, you must leave the friendship outside the boundary ropes. Game face hona zaroori hai. Dosti bahaar rehni chahiye. (It is important to have a game face. The friendship can remain outside during the match). There has to be an aggression in the eyes of both sets of players. You can be as friendly as you want after those six or seven hours of cricket,” said Gambhir on Star Sports.
“Those hours are very important, because you’re not just representing yourself, you’re representing a nation of over a billion. These days you see players of rival teams patting each other on the back and exchanging fist bumps during a match. You would never see that a few years ago. Aap friendly match hi khel rahe ho,” he added.
Gambhir is very clear about the basics of game and how cricket should be played. Stop giving smooches to opponents. I think those playing for their images should stay only in #Pakistan Dugout during #AsiaCup2023
That’s why
#Gautamgambhir>>>>>Kohli+Rohit#PAKvIND #AsiaCup #kohli pic.twitter.com/FRynKBFKAr— ck (@Ck2903Ck) September 2, 2023
