During India's series-clinching ODI against South Africa, Rohit Sharma, despite not captaining, humorously intervened to
prevent Kuldeep Yadav from taking unnecessary DRS reviews. Sharma, supported by Virat Kohli, repeatedly signaled against
reviews, showcasing a blend of humor and strategic insight that ultimately proved correct, as Kuldeep later admitted his
reliance on such guidance.
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (X)
In a quirky subplot of India’s series-clinching third ODI against South Africa in Visakhapatnam, Rohit Sharma once again
played the role of the unspoken DRS gatekeeper, this time without even captaining the side. With stand-in skipper KL
Rahul at the helm, it was Rohit, supported by Virat Kohli, who repeatedly stopped Kuldeep Yadav from taking reviews
during South Africa’s innings. The drama unfolded between the 43rd and 45th overs when Kuldeep, appealing vigorously
against Lungi Ngidi , sought the DRS on three separate occasions. In the 43rd over, Kuldeep went for an LBW appeal after
hitting the pad. As the umpire ruled not out, he turned to Rahul for a review, only for Rohit, positioned in the slips,
to wave him away, joking: “Kya? Pad pe lagne se hi out hai?” Even when Kuldeep stood his ground, Rohit’s gestures made
it clear: no review this time.
Fans travel thousands of kilometres to watch Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma play
The comedy continued in the very next over. Kuldeep appealed again after Ngidi yorked himself, but Rohit and Kohli
couldn’t stop laughing, with Rahul walking to the other end, leaving Kuldeep momentarily bewildered. The fun extended
into the following over, where Kuldeep’s appeals were again denied, though replays later confirmed Rohit’s instinct was
spot-on. Persistence eventually paid off for Kuldeep on the very next ball, as Ngidi was adjudged LBW with a DRS call,
giving him his fourth wicket of the match. Reflecting on the episode, Kuldeep admitted mid-innings that he struggles
with DRS decisions and relies on calm heads like Rohit and Rahul to guide him. On the day, Kuldeep’s figures of 4/41,
supported by Prasidh Krishna’s 4/66, helped India dismiss South Africa for 270, despite Quinton de Kock ’s blazing 106
off 89 balls. Temba Bavuma added 48, but no other Proteas batter offered resistance as India’s bowlers dominated. The
incident not only highlighted Kuldeep’s flair with the ball but also showcased Rohit’s playful yet decisive influence on
the field, blending humor with strategy in a series-deciding clash.