The replays show that the ball actually turned away from the batter instead of taking the nick from the bat. (Image: Screengrab/SonyLIV)
Despite not actually edging the ball for a catch, Sri Lanka’s Janith Liyanage walked off leaving Rohit Sharma and co befuddled when they saw the replay.
The opening ODI between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo witnessed a comical moment leaving players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in splits. During India’s bowling, one of Axar Patel’s deliveries looked like it nicked Janith Liyanage’s bat before reaching skipper Rohit’s hands, resulting in an appeal from the visitors.
Umpire Joel Wilson was not interested but the Sri Lankan youngster decided to walk off the pitch. The said incident occurred during the second delivery of the 35th over. Axar’s ball turned viciously, tempting Liyanage to go for a shot. Eventually, the ball just ended up missing the batter before heading to Rohit’s direction who was alert in the slips.
It was later revealed there had actually been no contact between the bat and the ball but the dismissal stood as the umpire had already raised the finger after seeing Janith Liyanage walk off. Seeing Sri Lanka’s blunder on the giant screen, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli just could not hide their emotions as they broke into a brief chuckle.
Janith Liyanage walked off even after being given not-out. And he was actually not out. Forget Indian batters with the ball, even opponent batters are taking their own wicket. Gambhir era is going too far. pic.twitter.com/8snURP6ixG
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) August 2, 2024
Janith Liyanage’s dismissal was not the only comical moment during the opening ODI between India and Sri Lanka. In another moment during India’s bowling, all-rounder Washington Sundar appealed a possible lbw on Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage. After the umpire overlooked the appeal, the Indian youngster turned towards skipper Rohit Sharma over the possibility of a review.
Seeing Sundar turn towards him, Rohit hilariously shouted, “What? You tell me!” Rohit then added, “Why are you looking at me? Should I do everything for you?” Indian commentator Aakash Chopra could not help but laugh at Rohit’s words. Chopra later said, “The stump mic is really made for him.” The hilarious segment was shared by Sony Sports Network on X.
Speaking of the game, the first ODI era ended in a tie between India and Sri Lanka. Half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka and Dunith Wellalage helped the hosts reach a total of 230 at the loss of eight wickets.
During the run chase, Rohit Sharma played a captain’s knock of 58, hitting seven boundaries and three sixes. But the rest of the team were unable to deal with the bowling offence of Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka. The visitors were eventually bowled out for 230 in 47.5 overs. India will next face Sri Lanka in the second ODI on Sunday, August 4.
