Following the dramatic tied third WODI between India and Bangladesh, Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana exhibited a more measured response compared to her teammate Harmanpreet Kaur’s emotional outburst towards Bangladeshi umpires Muhammad Kamruzzaman and Tanvir Ahmed. The match saw both teams scoring an identical 225, leading to a 1-1 series draw. Kaur’s dismissal, adjudged leg-before while attempting a sweep off Nahida Akter’s delivery, resulted in her visibly expressing her frustration by breaking the stumps and criticizing the umpiring as “pathetic” during the post-match presentation.
When asked about her views on the umpiring decisions, Mandhana responded with a retort, “What did you think?” Her dissatisfaction stemmed from the absence of the Decision Review System (DRS) in the series, which made it challenging for players and umpires alike. She specifically pointed out that certain decisions lacked careful consideration, leading to swift raising of the finger, particularly when it appeared that the ball had hit the pad.
Smriti Mandhana proposed that adopting a neutral umpiring system might be a viable solution to address the issues arising from contentious decisions. She called upon the International Cricket Council (ICC), the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB), and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to engage in discussions on implementing such a system. By having neutral umpires, Mandhana believed that the focus could remain on cricket-related questions and performances, thereby avoiding controversies related to umpiring decisions.
Regarding Kaur’s actions being questioned as contrary to the “Spirit of Cricket,” Smriti Mandhana stood in defense of her teammate. She expressed that such incidents are not uncommon in cricket, even in men’s matches, attributing them to the intense emotions and the desire to secure victory for the country. While recognizing the importance of upholding the spirit of the game, Mandhana understood Kaur’s passionate drive to achieve success for India and suggested that discussions on these matters could be addressed later.
In essence, Smriti Mandhana’s response showcased her composed demeanor, calling for improved umpiring decisions through a neutral umpiring system, while also defending her teammate’s emotions in the heat of competition. Her stance added a rational perspective to the post-match discussions, highlighting the significance of fair play and cricketing integrity in high-stakes encounters.
