Skipper Rohit Sharma, leading from the front, delivered a valiant performance with 87 runs off 101 balls, guiding the team to a challenging total of 229 for 9 in the demanding conditions of Lucknow.However, it was India’s formidable bowlers who stole the show, working in perfect harmony to dismantle England’s batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 129 in 34.5 overs.
The pacers Mohammed Shami (4-22) and Jasprit Bumrah (3-32) emerged as the chief architects of England’s downfall, while spin maestros Kuldeep Yadav (2-24) and Ravindra Jadeja (1-16) played their vital roles in the decisive outcome.
Despite his crucial contributions, wrist-spinner Kuldeep found himself at the centre of an on-field incident. He claimed the wickets of England’s skipper, Jos Buttler, and Liam Livingstone, yet found himself on the receiving end of a reprimand from captain Rohit.
In the 24th over, a replay of an incident from the 22nd over was displayed on the stadium’s giant screen. A visibly animated captain Rohit watched the replay and admonished Kuldeep for the incident captured on camera.
In the 22nd over, Kuldeep had delivered a back-of-the-length, quicker delivery around the leg-stump to Livingstone. Livingstone, attempting to pull the ball, was struck high on the pads. Captain Rohit contemplated reviewing the decision for an LBW, but Kuldeep had indicated that the delivery was too high.
However, when the replays were aired, it became apparent that India could have successfully reviewed the LBW decision at that moment, leading to Livingstone’s dismissal. In response, Rohit expressed his dissatisfaction with Kuldeep’s handling of the situation.
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Kuldeep, however, made amends in the 30th over, ultimately sending Livingstone back to the pavilion with an LBW dismissal. The incident served as a testament to the intense competitive spirit and the high standards upheld by the Indian cricket team, even during moments of success in the World Cup.