Controversy erupted during the fourth round of the Ranji Trophy as Maharashtra clashed with Services at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. The incident took place on Day 2, involving a contentious decision that ultimately proved costly for Maharashtra’s skipper, Ankit Bawne.
Chasing Services’ first-innings total of 293, Bawne was cruising comfortably, having reached his 41st first-class half-century. Batting on 73, he seemed poised for a substantial score. However, left-arm spinner Amit Shukla managed to get an edge off Bawne’s bat, sending the ball to the close-in second slip, where Shubham Rohilla claimed a low catch.
The Services fielders appealed, and without much deliberation, the on-field umpire ruled in favor of the catch, sending Bawne back to the pavilion. However, replays told a different story—the ball had clearly bounced before reaching Rohilla’s hands. With no DRS available in the Ranji Trophy, Bawne had no way to challenge the call.
ALSO READ: Tim Paine To Coach Prime Minister’s XI For Upcoming Match Against India
The controversial decision drew the attention of his state and India teammate, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who took to Instagram to express his discontent with both the umpiring standards and the lack of sportsmanship. Gaikwad shared a clip of the incident, highlighting the umpiring error that led to Bawne’s unfortunate dismissal.
Ruturaj Gaikwad was fuming with Ankit Bawne’s controversial dismissal against Services #RanjiTrophy2024
Source: Gaikwad’s Instagram story pic.twitter.com/HParORg3YQ
— Vijeet Rathi (@vijeet_rathi) November 7, 2024
Following Ankit Bawne’s departure, Maharashtra’s innings quickly unravelled. Shukla capitalized on the momentum, wrapping up the tail to finish with career-best figures of 7/65. Apart from Bawne, only Sachin Dhas managed to cross the 20-run mark, leaving Maharashtra in a vulnerable position.
At stumps, Services were at 15/0, having already secured a first-innings lead. They are well-positioned to extend their advantage and potentially control the rest of the match.
WATCH – MS Dhoni Celebrates Gym Partner’s Birthday As CSK Prepares For IPL 2025
Meanwhile, Gaikwad, currently captaining India A in their second unofficial Test against Australia A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, also faced a rough day. He was dismissed for just four runs, leaving India A struggling at 11/4 within the opening three overs of the day.
