IND Vs SL 1st ODI : Rohit Sharma’s sportsmanship sparks Sehwag-Randiv 2010 incident

After the incident of Mohammad Shami‘s run-out attempt against Sri-Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka was called off by Rohit Sharma, memories of the 2010 India Vs Sri Lanka incident came into the fore. The bizarre altercation between Virender Sehwag and Suraj Randiv came into the light when the latter denied the former Indian opener from getting to his 100.

Rohit Sharma said, "Mohammad Shami went for the appeal, but Dasun Shanaka was batting on 98, so we didn't want to get him out that way".

This is the difference between @KumarSanga2 , Suraj randiv & Indians @virendersehwag missed well deserved 100 on that Day.#INDvSL #SLvsIND pic.twitter.com/XpYqDCGVZu

— ಹೇಮಂತ್೧೨💛♥️ (@gofida2hemanth) January 10, 2023

Last night Rohit Sharma had the chance of denying Dasun Shanaka from getting to his full century but the former decided to cancel his appeal because Shanaka was just 2 runs away from his Ton.

Mohammad Shami might have remembered Suraj Randiv's no-ball vs Virender Sehwag before doing this. pic.twitter.com/1zuDqsCiA0

— Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) January 10, 2023

Back in 2010 during the Tri-angular series between India, Sri-Lanka and New Zealand, Lankan Spinner Suraj Randiv bowled a deliberate No-ball in the 3rd ODI to keep Sehwag away from triple figures.

Virender Sehwag was on strike at 99 and co-incidentally only a Single run separated India from victory and Sehwag from Century. Suraj Randiv was aware of it and he bowled a wayward No-ball which looked absolutely deliberate. Before it was called no-ball, Virender Sehwag had already hit a six to complete his century but the Third umpire signaled the on-field Umpire to deny Sehwag’s six.

Sehwag spoke about the incident after the match saying – “Yes, it was done deliberately. Because that much from the crease. Till now in Test matches he hasn’t bowled a no-ball, he hasn’t bowled no-balls in one-day cricket, on 99 only why did he bowl a no-ball? And not a small no-ball, not a small margin, from one foot ahead.” Sehwag added.

“I’m not the captain of the opposing team, so I can’t say, but something must have been said by either the captain or the senior team members. It has happened before, when Sachin Tendulkar was left on 99 not out in Cuttack, they bowled four wides down the leg side This is not the first time Sri Lanka has done this, they may have done it with other teams but with India it is the second time.”

It was because of Randiv’s No-ball that the six did not count as it already gave India the victory but the Sri-Lankan’s decision left Virender Sehwag and many fans fuming. Randiv did not show any signs of sportsmanship and Indian fans are asking them to take notes from Rohit Sharma.

The Indian Captain could have avenged Suraj Randiv’s antics on Dusan Shanaka but that incident at Dambulla is almost 13 years old. Rohit provided a great example by keeping Shanaka’s Century hopes alive and somehow his Deed will inspire many Cricketers in the future.