Suryakumar Yadav’s sportsmanship during India’s Asia Cup 2025 clash with the UAE has divided opinions across the cricket fraternity. The India T20I captain chose to withdraw a run-out appeal against Junaid Siddique, despite the third umpire declaring the batter out, sparking a heated debate about the fine line between fairness and competitive spirit.
The incident unfolded in the 13th over of the UAE’s innings when Siddique missed a pull shot off Shivam Dube. Distracted by the bowler’s towel slipping mid-delivery, he failed to return to his crease.
Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, ever alert, under-armed the ball onto the stumps, and the square-leg umpire referred the decision upstairs. The replay clearly showed Siddique short of the crease, and the TV umpire ruled him out.
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However, after a brief discussion with the on-field umpire and watching the big screen, Suryakumar Yadav withdrew the appeal, reasoning that Siddique was not attempting a run. Ironically, Siddique was dismissed a few balls later for a three-ball duck, and the UAE were eventually bowled out for just 57.
Ajinkya Rahane praised Suryakumar and the Indian team for prioritizing the spirit of the game. “It was a great call by Surya. Junaid wasn’t attempting a run and probably didn’t realize where the crease was. Team India showed character and sportsmanship – exactly what cricket should stand for. You play hard, but you also play fair,” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.
Not everyone agreed. Former India opener Aakash Chopra suggested that the decision might have been circumstantial.
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Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Chopra remarked, “It wouldn’t have happened if Pakistan’s Salman Agha was batting in a tight game. Sanju showed great presence of mind with the throw – if Siddique was outside the crease, by rule he should’ve been out. Once you mix ethics with the rulebook, you risk inconsistency. Today you withdraw, tomorrow you don’t – that’s the danger.”
The contrasting views highlight an age-old cricketing debate: should the laws be upheld at all costs, or does the “spirit of cricket” sometimes matter more? With India dominating the match regardless, the conversation may outlast the result itself.
