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 Ngidisought 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. 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.
