Surinder Khanna Urges Indian Team for Integrity After MCG Setback
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New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Surinder Khanna criticized India’s tactics during the fourth Test against Australia and urged for 'fair play' from the visiting team after their defeat by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.
While chasing a target of 340 runs on the final day, Indian batsmen struggled yet again against Australia’s bowling, allowing the home side to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series.
The dismissal of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal sparked considerable debate when third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat overturned on-field umpire Joel Wilson’s decision without definitive proof. Although the Snickometer indicated no contact when the ball struck Jaiswal’s gloves, video footage suggested a slight deflection, leading to the third umpire’s ruling.
This decision was met with disapproval from the Indian camp and former players who criticized the technology's effectiveness. However, Khanna offered a different perspective, suggesting that creating controversy serves no purpose. He advised the Rohit Sharma-led squad to focus on fair play to alter the match outcome.
"There’s no value in stirring controversy; they’ve shown it from multiple angles that the ball touched the gloves, and its speed reduced before Alex Carey caught it. Akash Deep also expressed similar concerns when he was dismissed. 'Juthe log hai yeh', one must play fair cricket first to start winning. When the bat is in your hands, how can you be unaware of edging the ball? We’ve performed poorly and lost. What sort of batting is this? Come the IPL, these players will score runs. Avoid playing excessively aggressive T20 cricket and instead, play positively. Let’s hope that fortune favors the Indian team in the New Year," Khanna remarked to IANS.
Following the defeat in Melbourne, India’s point percentage (PCT) fell from 55.88 to 52.78, while Australia’s PCT rose from 58.89 to 61.46, as they approach a possible second consecutive appearance in the WTC final.
Earlier on Sunday, South Africa became the first team to secure a spot in next year’s WTC final at Lord's. Defending champions Australia require just one victory from their remaining three Tests (one vs India and two vs Sri Lanka) to guarantee their second consecutive appearance in the final.
For India, qualification for the WTC final is still possible; they must win the final Test of the series against Australia in Sydney to level the Border-Gavaskar series and hope Australia does not win a Test during their upcoming series in Sri Lanka starting next month.
