Cheteshwar Pujara, who was in exceptional touch in the Test series against Australia, was involved in a controversial moment when he refused to walk despite being caught behind against Karnataka.
He edged one of the deliveries bowled by Karnataka pacer Abhimanyu Mithun leading to celebrations among rival players but umpire didn’t raise his finger.
Even Pujara didn’t walk despite knowing that he was out.
— Mushfiqur Fan (@NaaginDance) January 25, 2019
Karun Nair and Manish Pandey were furious with Pujara’s attitude. Cricket fanatics slammed the Indian batsman, who turned against him for refusing to walk back to the pavilion.
Sorry Aakash but he is not an icon we want to take as role model. Played lots of crucial innings but didn’t show sportsmanship when needed. Even great Sachin paji walked when he knew he nicked the ball that’s how great players are made. @RanjiKarnataka @BCCIdomestic @BCCI
— Abhijit D (@MrAbhijitVD) January 25, 2019
Lol pujara was out fr 1. That was a clear poor poor umpiring. Also I feel pujara should have walked off . He is an inspiration to many. I didn’t expect this . #KARvSAU #RanjiTrophy
— Cricfam (@cricfam) January 25, 2019
I just can’t understand a large number life you supporting a player to intentionally cheat. A batsman will always know if he nicked it or not. Yes it’s umpair’s call but there an be no justification for pujara not walking back. It’s bad sportsmanship.
— Prince Philips (@VikTrade) January 25, 2019
He was finally dismissed by Mithun on 45, with Saurashtra ending the day at 227/7, trailing Karnataka’s first innings total of 275 by 48 runs.