Ajinkya Rahane lauded India captain Suryakumar Yadav for his sportsmanship in withdrawing a run-out appeal during the 2025 Asia Cup match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday, September 10. India began their campaign with a commanding nine-wicket win. While the Men in Blue dominated the game, a notable moment came when UAE batsman Junaid Siddique was almost run out.
Attempting a big shot off Shivam Dube’s bowling in the 13th over, Siddique missed the ball. He seemed distracted by a towel that had slipped from Dube’s trousers and was outside the crease when wicketkeeper Sanju Samson collected the ball and executed a direct hit.
Although Siddique was technically run out, he was let off after Suryakumar Yadav withdrew the appeal, acknowledging that the UAE batsman had been distracted. Praising the Indian captain for his decision, Rahane said in his latest YouTube video (at 1:28):
“It was a great call by Team India and captain Surya because Junaid was not looking for run. I guess he was not aware about where the crease was. As a wicketkeeper, as a fielder, when you get a ball in hand, your intent or your instinct is to aim at the stumps.”
“It was the right call made by Team India. They have shown great character and very good sportsman’s spirit. That’s what you want to see when you play a game of cricket. You play hard, but you play fair.”
“India Will Need A Quality Fast Bowler” — Ajinkya Rahane On Playing XI In 2025 Asia Cup Clash Against UAE
Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh was a key omission from India’s playing XI for their opening match of the 2025 Asia Cup, leaving Jasprit Bumrah as the only frontline pacer. All-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube were the other seam-bowling options in the squad.
Ajinkya Rahane suggested that India will require Arshdeep’s services when they face stronger teams later in the tournament. The 37-year-old commented in the same video (at 0:15):
“Personally, I think this was a very well-balanced team. The only player who was missing (from) what I had mentioned in my last video was Arshdeep Singh, and I would love to see him in the playing XI and bowling with Bumrah because when the Indian team plays with quality opposition, they are going to need a quality fast bowler.”
“If Hardik Pandya bowls in the powerplay, you will need someone who can bowl with Jasprit Bumrah in the death overs. So, I’m sure somewhere down the line in this tournament, Arshdeep Singh will get a chance,” he added (at 0:34).
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