GUWAHATI, India - India skipper Rohit Sharma on Tuesday won praise for withdrawing a “Mankad” run-out appeal against Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka in the opening one-day international.

With Sri Lanka requiring 83 runs off the last three balls in the second innings, India’s Mohammed Shami ran in to bowl but whipped the bails at the non-striker’s end as Shanaka – who was then on 98 – left his crease.

Shami appealed for a run-out as the umpire signalled for a TV review before Rohit stepped in and withdrew the appeal after a chat with the umpire.

“I had no idea he (Shami) did that (run-out) when he went up for an appeal,” Rohit told broadcaster Star Sports after the win.

“We cannot get him (Shanaka) out like that. We wanted to get him out, we thought we will get him out, but that was not something we thought of. But again, hats off to him, he played really well.”

Shanaka went on to get his second ODI century with an unbeaten 108, but India hammered the tourists by 67 runs to lead the three-match series 1-0.

But it was Rohit’s sportsmanship that was lauded by former Sri Lankan cricketers, including Sanath Jayasuriya.

“The real winner was the sportsmanship of Rohit Sharma for refusing to take the run out. I doff my cap to you!” Jayasuriya wrote on Twitter.

Former player Angelo Mathews added: “Not many captains would do this but hats off to @ImRo45 for withdrawing the appeal even though the law says so! Displaying great sportsmanship.”

The rare mode of dismissal was named after Indian all-rounder Vinoo Mankad, who 75 years ago ran out Bill Brown twice in that fashion on a tour of Australia in 1948.

The dismissal ignites debate every time it happens, but was ruled legitimate by the International Cricket Council in 2022.

Recently, Adam Zampa was denied a Mankad run-out in Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League after the TV umpire ruled that his arm had passed its highest point where he would reasonably be expected to release the ball.

Vinoo’s grandson Harsh Mankad, weighing in on the debate, told the Sydney Morning Herald: “Personally, I’m always delighted to see my grandfather being remembered. I feel it to be a great honour for our name to be associated with a cricketing term.

“I’d love to see the “Mankad” or “Mankading” stay and keep alive his memories and legacy as a great competitor and sportsman deeply respected and admired by everyone.”
AFP, REUTERS