The Sri Lankan cricket team was successful in bringing the T20I series against India to an interesting turn after winning the second of three matches in the final over and tying the series. Wrapping up a very inexperienced Indian side for just 133 runs, the Lions scored the winning runs with four wickets and two balls to spare. 

However, one of the biggest moments of the game, which resonated with the fans from both sides of the clash came at the final ball of the 15th over when spinner Rahul Chahar scalped Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga’s wicket off a catch by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. 

Wanindu Hasaranga upholds the Spirit of the Game!

Tune into Sony Six (ENG), Sony Ten 1 (ENG), Sony Ten 3 (HIN), Sony Ten 4 (TAM, TEL) & SonyLIV (https://t.co/QYC4z57UgI) now! #SLvINDOnlyOnSonyTen #HungerToWin #WaninduHasaranga pic.twitter.com/0CwCaTkkAS

— Sony Sports (@SonySportsIndia) July 28, 2021

Excited to take the wicket, Chahar went on to send off the batsman with a rather angry celebration, while literally barking at him with rage-filled eyes and staring at him until he left the pitch. 

Contrary to Rahul’s heated actions, what Hasaranga did in response, has since led to him gaining a lot of support from the Indian cricket fans, who appreciated him for remaining professional and adhering to the spirit of the game.

Wahindu Hasaranga shows class, he calm and composed. When Rahul Chahar picked his wicket and then he Appreciates his bowling. Brilliant Hasaranga. #INDvSL pic.twitter.com/Hr7vttf2JI

— Daksh Saini (@ImSaini45) July 28, 2021

Clearly displeased with how Chahar behaved on the field, the batsman managed to keep his calm and applauded the Indian bowler’s achievement before walking off the field. He uttered not a single word in protest and made no gesture that would have insulted the game or his opponent. 

Such a matured reaction also made the Indian fans call out their own player, Rahul Chahar, for being overdramatic, and bringing in unnecessary aggression to the field:

Liked the way Hasaranga reacted to Rahul Chahar's theatrics after losing his wicket.#SLvIND

— امت AMIT CHAUDHARY (@amit_tweet) July 28, 2021

Rahul Chahar chhapri reaction.
Good response by Hasaranga, RESPECT! #INDvsSL2021

— Chinmay Rane (@cvrane) July 28, 2021

I love how Hasaranga applauded Rahul Chahar for the delivery he bowled. Get him in @IPL

— Anshul Kansal (@anshkansal) July 28, 2021

It wasn't needed from Rahul. But Hasaranga's reaction was gold. #INDvSL

— अर्पित जैन (@ArpitJ_) July 28, 2021

To be fair, Indian skipper Shikhar Dhawan was presented with the daunting task of trying to win a match with a freshly assembled squad after all-rounder Krunal Pandya was tested positive with the COVID-19 virus on Tuesday. 

As a result, 8 members of the team, including the likes of Prithvi Shaw, Devdutta Padikkal, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav, who were in close contact with the symptomatic cricketer, were also made to sit out of the game, despite testing negative, as a precautionary measure.

View this post on Instagram

Since the second T20I was delayed by a day, the two sides will have no gaps and will play in the third and final match of the series today, on July 29 as scheduled with the fate of the series in question. 

View the full article