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Baba Aparajith argues furiously with umpires and opposition players, takes five minutes to leave field following contentious dismissal in domestic game

by Wisden Staff August 9, 2023 - 3:04pm 2 minute read

A contentious lbw dismissal in a Tamil Nadu Cricket Association Division 1 clash saw Baba Aparajith involved in a five-minute-long animated discussion with the on-field umpires and the opposition players before leaving the field.

The decision was eventually overturned – but from lbw to caught.

Playing for Young Stars Cricket Club, Aparajith steadied the innings after his team lost their openers early in the run chase of 164 against Jolly Rovers CC. He took 62 balls for his 64 and formed a solid partnership with Sai Sudharsan, before being dismissed lbw in the 18th over of the innings.

The decision left Aparajith furious, as he kept signalling to the on-field umpire that the ball had gone off his bat towards the GS Raju, at forward short leg, who held on to the low catch, and that he should not be given lbw as a result. With no DRS in the game, the umpires could not check the delivery again. However, TV replays were available to viewers, and it was evident that there was a huge amount of turn before the ball struck him on the back foot, with the bat close to the pad.

Resigned to his fate after the umpires were unmoved despite his attempts at convincing them, Aparajith started walking away but walked back to the middle again, this time to exchange some words with a member of the rival team. The two had to be separated by the umpires.

By then, it was revealed that there had been a change in the decision and that Aparajith was given out instead of lbw.

His team went on to win by four wickets, with Sudharsan making an unbeaten 67 in 92 balls.