Even though India pulled off a sensational win against Pakistan in the end, Ravichandran Ashwin’s inability to hold on to a catch earlier in the match had become a dominating topic of social media conversations. Also joining the debate on the dropped catch by Ashwin was former India all-rounder, Yuvraj Singh. However, Singh had to face brutal social media trolling as angry fans called him a ‘hypocrite’ for his criticism of Ashwin.
During Pakistani innings, Mohammed Shami bowled a bouncer to Shan Masood, who attempted a hook in the direction of Ashwin. Fielding at the fine leg, Ashwin claimed to take the catch cleanly prompting Indian players to start their celebrations. The celebration assumed significance in light of Pakistan already having lost their two top batters namely Mohammed Rizwan and skipper Babar Azam cheaply.
However, the field umpire was forced to reverse the decision as TV replays showed the ball had already hit the ground before Ashwin could get his hands underneath to scoop it up.
Reacting to Ashwin’s dropped catch, Singh tweeted, “I guess the drop catch by r Ashwin ! Has changed the momentum of the game in favour of Pakistan ! Catches win matches !! Hopefully india can pull it back !!’ Come on lads.”
Indian eventually won the match, thanks to a heroic knock by former India captain, Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten at 82 from 57 balls. But this did not stop Ashwin fans to target Singh for his alleged hypocrisy. They dug out the former all-rounder’s old tweet, defending Arshdeep Singh when the latter dropped a catch against Pakistan.
When Arshdeep Singh dropped his catch, Singh had tweeted, “If you were at the edge of ur seat during #IndiaVSPak, imagine the pressure on the players in the park! One dropped catch doesn’t define ability. We need to unite as a cricket loving nation & support youngsters instead of criticising them. More power to you @arshdeepsinghh.”
If you were at the edge of ur seat during #IndiaVSPak, imagine the pressure on the players in the park!
One dropped catch doesn’t define ability. We need to unite as a cricket loving nation & support youngsters instead of criticising them.
More power to you @arshdeepsinghh 🇮🇳
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) September 5, 2022
Angry fans accused Singh of hypocrisy as they took to Twitter to attack the former India player.
Hypocrisy thy name is @YUVSTRONG12 pic.twitter.com/7ghz9fOgZv
— Ayushi Agarwal (@iiiushiii) October 23, 2022
When a player was a Singh
See the support for a drop catch from himWhen a player is from other state
See the opinion for a well tried catch, not even a drop catch that was
Ashwin tried his best but bouncedDouble standards 💦💦💦
Worst behaviour
Wat a cheap mentality💦💦🤡🤡 pic.twitter.com/NYWWRoqHKq— Dr.Sanakyan ⚕️ (@NGS_tweets) October 23, 2022
Why this sudden 180° change in opinion over dropped catches? pic.twitter.com/6Nr6gOzYkc
— THE SKIN DOCTOR (@theskindoctor13) October 23, 2022
If a Singh drop a catch.. stop this stupidity @YUVSTRONG12 #IndvPak #Ashwin pic.twitter.com/P7trRlzTEg
— arunnvignesh (@arunnvignesh) October 23, 2022
Batting first, Pakistan made 158-9 in 20 overs. India achieved the target by losing just six wickets.
