What was expected to be a fantastic Sunday (December 2) turned out to be a chaotic one and it was all because of India and Sri Lanka were not on the same page as far as the polluted air of Delhi was concerned.
While the Indian batsmen were taking the Sri Lankan bowlers to the cleaners without having much of a problem, the visitors were behaving animatedly. In fact, Kohli was also batting with ease despite being at the crease for so long. However, the Sri Lankan players were taking none of it, and as a result, the game was interrupted on several occasions before a furious Kohli declared the innings.
The drama unfolded soon after lunch when the Sri Lankan players came out wearing masks to combat the pollution. It was soon followed by several stoppages that broke India as well as Kohli’s batting momentum. The first delay was of more than 15 minutes, and India paid the price for it as Ravichandran Ashwin was out on the very first ball after the game resumed. The hosts suffered even a bigger blow when Kohli lost his concentration amidst all the drama and was out for 243.
Despite the umpires as well as doctors making it clear that players can play in those situations, Sri Lankan players continued their protest. The drama reached the boiling point when one of Sri Lanka’s support was getting ready to take the field after the Islanders ran out of substitutes when their pace spearhead Suranga Lakmal walked off. There was yet another delay, and India head coach Ravi Shastri could not stop himself from going to the field and get a measure of the things.
The coach walked out with some intent and was seen having an animated discussion with on-field umpires Nigel Llong and Joel Wilson before walking off. The play resumed soon, but Kohli decided to end the drama by declaring the innings on 536 for 7.
Here is a clip showing Ravi Shastri involved in an animated discussion with the on-field umpires:
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