Social Media Awestruck by 360º bowling action from Shiva Singh

Of late, the game of cricket is delivering surprises in a unique way. One day, the batsman comes up with an innovative stroke and on the other day, fielders wonder fans with their athletism. Meanwhile, the latest one comes from a bowler in the Indian domestic circuit, Shiva Singh, who took a 360º turn before delivering the ball.

It left all the cricket enthusiasts puzzled, as the on-field umpire called it a dead ball. Meanwhile, a section of people isn’t impressed with the decision while few of them are fine with the decision of the umpire.

The incident took place in the Under-23 CK Nayudu match between Uttar Pradesh and Bengal in Kalyani. Video took the boost on social media, as people found it pretty hilarious.

Rules book says the action is illegal:

However, to the people, who feel the umpire is wrong, it is certainly not. The rulebooks say that the bowler should not change his action for one delivery in the over. In another case, it is a legal delivery, if the bowler bowls with the same action for the entire over.

“The umpires shall be the sole judges of fair and unfair play. If either umpire considers an action, not covered by the Laws, to be unfair he/she shall intervene without appeal and, if the ball is in play, call and signal Dead ball,” the law states.

“If an umpire considers that any action by a player, not covered in the Laws, is unfair, he/she shall call and signal Dead ball, if appropriate, as soon as it becomes clear that the call will not disadvantage the non-offending side, and report the matter to the other umpire.”

All in all, it is an interesting skill and requires a lot of practice to deliver it rightly. Keeping law books aside, one must appreciate his unique skill. Hopefully, the rule change might give life to his new action.

Here are the few tweets:

https://twitter.com/justaname99/status/1060261472088084482

https://twitter.com/KunalHasArrived/status/1060267210172653568

Such is the game of cricket, batsman is allowed to play all kinds of shots but bowler has some limitations which should be followed. Example, a batsman can step out but in case of a bowler it'll be declared no ball.
So, somethings cannot be compared, and this was unacceptable.

— Harshit Mohan (@harshitos) November 8, 2018

Umpires wrong in calling this a dead ball. And please let the geeks not decide if it’s fair or unfair..

Shiva Singh's 360-degree delivery falls foul of umpires https://t.co/Oe8C7UOBhF

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) November 8, 2018

AB de Villiers 360° stroke play is hailed but Shiva Singh's 360° twirl isn't fair? ?

Thoughts? https://t.co/vfriUn0Tbt

— News18 CricketNext (@cricketnext) November 8, 2018

Love it! I want to learn the 360 degree action.
But what’s the verdict is it a fair or unfair delivery? #ShivaSingh pic.twitter.com/23OiuZH07g

— Saiyami Kher (@SaiyamiKher) November 9, 2018

So the batsman is allowed to do anything but bowling has to stay traditional. Why is #cricket so lopsided in favour of batsmen everytime? What's wrong with a little spice in the game? #bcci #icc https://t.co/rJHfOoI86g

— Aniket Pargaonkar ?? (@aniketsp) November 9, 2018

https://twitter.com/i_Sunny92/status/1060774587028332544

Shiva Singh is my hero! #360degreebowler

— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) November 8, 2018

@shiva singh 360 degree rotation should be allowed in bowling

— Cricket fan (@Cricket94892234) November 8, 2018

This is innovation⭐️

Innovation increases entertainment.

Cricket umpires first reaction should *not* be to stop something, just because it’s new. Umpires should stop and consult with his colleagues. Decision was too hasty ?

Love #cricket – Go Shiva Singh,my type of spinner! https://t.co/yGFgsxaCYn

— Adam Cogan [SSW] in Sydney ?? (@AdamCogan) November 8, 2018

Dear @imVkohli,
Wish you hear Shiva Singh & support.https://t.co/zL7EHsMUf2

— गौभक्ति গৌভক্তি கோபக்தி GouBhakti ଗୌଭକ୍ତି గౌభక్తి (@GOUBHAKTI) November 9, 2018

Keen to know what sports scientists would have to say about this unique action in terms of effectiveness? For a bowler a smooth run up is the key,which I guess with this action(he being a spinner,with lesser run up), it might prove to be a hindrance for him. #ShivaSingh

— Saumen Ghosh (@shomu_73) November 9, 2018

https://twitter.com/_jessticulate/status/1060729556212957185

https://twitter.com/RoutAbhiruchi/status/1060582043833184256

@cricketaakash Sir Do you see UP bowler Shiva Singh bowling action,,,??#360_bowling
Umpire rejected it,,,,
If batsman can switch hit,,,,
So any rule to permit this action,,,,

Please open the rule book and please tell us what is possible.

— Patel vatsal (@vatsalpatel009) November 8, 2018

Only a matter of time before someone tries it at a bigger stage. Shiva Singh, btw, showed a lot of fluid rhythm while bowling it. Must have practised it several times.

— K Balakumar (@kbalakumar) November 8, 2018