Xtra Time Web Desk: Did Punjab Kings Head Coach Anil Kumble had a brain fade in the IPL game against Delhi Capitals at DY Patil stadium on Monday night? Why did he call Jitesh Sharma back after sending him in? Punjab Kings Head Coach Anil Kumble tried calling Jitesh Sharma back to the dug-out but was stopped by a match official from doing so.
What exactly happened?
The incident took place when PBKS captain Mayank Agarwal had ben clean bowled by Delhi Capitals left-arm spinner Axar Patel. To counter Axar, the PBKS wanted to send a lefty, probably Harpreet Brar. Their plan went awry when right-handed batter Jitesh Sharma started walking in. Noticing it Punjab coach Anil Kumble screamed at Jitesh to return back but the umpire intervened, stopping them from recalling their batter back who had crossed the boundary and as per the rule, once a player entered the field of play, he is not allowed back.
The entire sequence of event though reflected poorly on PBKS dug-out, putting a big question mark over their game awareness and communication. And more so when you have someone of the stature of Anil Kumble, who should know the rules at the tip of his palm. The former India leg spinner donned the hat of the Chairman of MCC Cricket Committee as well.