Yashasvi Jaiswal’s runout proved to be decisive on the second day of the ongoing fourth Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India looked to be in a strong position due to the partnership of more than 100 runs between Jaiswal and Virat Kohli. But the Indian innings fell apart as soon as Jaiswal was run out on 82 runs.
Runout: The turning point of India’s innings
- Jaiswal tried to steal a single on the last ball of the 41st over and was run out.
- Indian team’s score fell from 153/2 to 159/5.
- At the end of the day’s play, India scored 164/5 and still trailed Australia by 310 runs.
Whose fault was this runout?
Yashasvi’s runout gave rise to a big debate. There was a heated debate on this between Irfan Pathan and Sanjay Manjrekar while analyzing the match on Star Sports.
Manjrekar’s argument:
Sanjay Manjrekar held Virat Kohli completely responsible for the runout.
- According to him:
- The ball was going slow, and it was Jaiswal’s call.
- Although the run was risky, Jaiswal was running towards the danger end.
- Manjrekar called it a “schoolboy error” and accused Kohli of confusing Jaiswal by refusing to take runs.
Irfan Pathan’s side:
Irfan Pathan disagreed with Manjrekar and said that it was Jaiswal’s mistake.
- According to Pathan:
- Virat saw that the ball was going fast to Pat Cummins, due to which it was not possible to score runs.
- Kohli had the right to save his wicket at the non-striker’s end.
- He did not respond to Jaiswal’s wrong call, which was Jaiswal’s fault.
Effect of runout on Indian innings
Immediately after Jaiswal’s dismissal, Virat Kohli also walked on the first ball of the 43rd over.
- Kohli, who looked in good touch, scored 36 runs.
- The mental pressure of Jaiswal’s runout was clearly visible when Kohli made the mistake of playing a shot on the outgoing ball and lost his wicket.
- India lost three wickets in a few overs, due to which the team was in danger of follow-on.
What did the experts say?
Manjrekar’s statement:
“It was Jaiswal’s call, but it was difficult to take runs. Kohli looked back and decided that runs could not be taken. It was a wrong call by Jaiswal.”
Pathan’s answer:
“Virat Kohli did the right thing. Without taking any risk, he saved his wicket at the non-striker’s end. Jaiswal is at fault for the runout as it was a risky call.”
India’s situation: challenging times
- Dominance of pitch and bowlers: Australian bowlers kept the Indian batsmen confined.
- Responsibility on the lower order: Now Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja will have to handle the Indian innings on the third day.