Rohit Sharma grilled and burned in Bengaluru for heated argument with umpire over 'Bad Light'

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli engaged in a heated argument with the umpires over 'bad light' on Day 4 of the first Test between India and New Zealand. Former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Ian Smith questioned Rohit Sharma's argument with the umpire regarding the bad light stoppage.

The fourth day of the first Test ended before the scheduled time due to bad light and rain at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 19. The Kiwis had faced only four balls while chasing a total of 107 runs when the umpires deemed that the light was not good enough.

Rohit Sharma And Virat Engage In A Heated Argument With Umpire

The Rohit Sharma-led side wanted to take a couple of early wickets during a challenging phase of play after New Zealand came to bat in their second innings of the match. However, the umpires called off the fourth day's play due to bad light after Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah had delivered just four balls.

Skipper Rohit Sharma and senior batter Virat Kohli were clearly frustrated when the umpires stopped play due to 'bad light'. Rohit and Kohli tried to convince on-field umpire Michael Gough to let the game continue, but the umpires determined that the conditions were unsafe for play in the final session.

Rohit sharma to umpire:

Bhen£hod Chutiya Sala 😂#INDvNZL #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/TkRM244DBv

— マ ๏Ｌｅ𝕏乛 (@Rolex_813) October 19, 2024

I Am Not Sure What His Case Can Be - Ian Smith

In the commentary box, Ian Smith was surprised by the Indian players' continued arguments with the umpires, adding that umpires make decisions on the light. Karthik said that it appeared to be the right call given the darkening conditions.

"Looks like the right decision, looks much darker," said Dinesh Karthik.

"Not sure what he is arguing about, I am not sure what his case can be. Umpires make decisions on the light, they set standards, and that's it," Ian Smith said.

Even with the floodlights on, thick clouds at the Chinnaswamy Stadium and poor visibility led the match officials to stop the game. Just minutes later, rain began, and the ground staff covered the pitch, signaling an early end to the day's play.

Team India Bowled Out For 462 Runs In Second Innings

India began their second innings on Day 4 at 231-3. Sarfaraz Khan scored his maiden Test century with 150 runs off 195 balls, while wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant was dismissed after scoring 99 runs off 105 balls. They formed a crucial partnership of 177 runs for the fourth wicket to help India take a lead.

Following the dismissal of Sarfaraz, the home team experienced a dramatic batting collapse. The Rohit Sharma-led side lost seven wickets for just 54 runs. Local player KL Rahul was out for 12 runs, while all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin added only five and 15 runs, respectively.

Also read: Watch: Glenn Phillips, KL Rahul absolutely stunned as Rishabh Pant hits colossal 107-m six in Bengaluru Test