Watch: Ball-tampering controversy hits Team India as Ravindra Jadeja caught & confronted by umpire

India were in the middle of a ball-tampering controversy during the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy against Australia in Dubai when the umpire Richard Illingworth asked bowler Ravindra Jadeja to remove the tape from his hand.

The incident happened after the 18th over of the match when Ravindra Jadeja was about to start his third over of the match. Before the start of the over, umpire Richard Illingworth intervened and asked Jadeja to remove the tape from his left hand, which is also his bowling hand.

India's captain Rohit Sharma was also seen discussing the matter with the umpire while Virat Kohli helped Jadeja remove the tape. According to the rules, the bowler cannot have any external tapes on the bowling hand.

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Watch: Ravindra Jadeja asked to remove tape from his hand

Umpire asked Jadeja to remove the protection tape. pic.twitter.com/y5DsmHvnXN

— Radha (@Rkc1511165) March 4, 2025

After removing the tape later, Ravindra Jadeja continued with his bowling. The left-arm spinner had a good day with the ball but the Australian batters didn't let him settle down at any point.

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne looked busy against him and rotated the strike constantly. Smith was particularly good as he has been against the spinners all throughout his career.

Ravindra Jadeja picks up vital wickets

Jadeja finally broke an important partnership between Smith and Labuschagne to give India a vital breakthrough. He trapped Labuschagne right in front of the stumps for 29 off 36 balls as the batter looked to flick the ball away through the leg side.

A brief partnership between Steve Smith and Josh Inglis followed but Ravindra Jadeja struck again. Jadeja dismissed a dangerous Josh Inglis for just 11. However, Alex Carey came in a different mood and displayed his rich vein of form.

The left-hander played Indian spinners brilliantly and showed his excellent skills with the bat. Both Smith and Carey batted in a magnificent way to remove the threat of Indian spinners.

Ravindra Jadeja had a brilliant day in the field as he made some quick moves to save several runs on the field. The allrounder showed his fielding prowess and saved lots of runs for India.

He is already one of the best fielders in the world and showed why he is called so. Not only in the field, he will be expected to contribute with the bat as Australia aimed to go for a strong first innings total.

Indian batters to have a tough task

India will have a tough task when they come out to bat in the second innings. The pitch will start to deteriorate and will become more difficult for the batters.

With plenty of spinners in their ranks, the Aussies are likely to attack with lots of spin. They have included an extra spinner in the form of Tanveer Sangha to complement Adam Zampa for this game.

They also have the option of the youngster Cooper Connolly who can bowl left-arm spin. The run-chase promises to be an enthralling one and India will hope their senior batters to step up in the big game.