Strange things happen in cricket but umpires maintain high standards of integrity.
This was not the case in India’s last outing against Bangladesh as umpire Richard Kettleborough clearly helped Virat Kohli complete his century by ignoring a wide ball.
Now one may interpret the gesture as a spirit of support (as the decision could not have altered the result of the game) but the umpire, legally speaking, is not supposed to mend a rule. He should stick to rules in any case and maintain the highest standards of honesty and fair play.
So, when Kohli was at 97 in the 42nd over, India required just two runs for victory and Naseem Ahmed bowled a wide delivery down the leg. The umpire, instead of signalling wide, remained unmoved.
And then came the magic moment of Kohli who completed his century with a huge six.
Although Kohli won hearts for his trademark innings, the umpire took the flak for being biased.
One social media user pointed out the wry smile of the umpire as he facilitated the star batsman to cross the milestone.
Even the players in the Indian dressing room seemed gossiping and laughing over what happened on the field.
