‘When we search for excuses, we don’t grow’- Harsha Bhogle’s note for Bangladesh amidst ‘Fake Fielding’ controversy

It is not uncommon for controversies to erupt during India vs. Bangladesh cricket matches. Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter Nurul Hasan accused India’s Virat Kohli of ‘fake fielding’ after the two sides squared off in the 20-20 World Cup 2022 Group 2 match on Wednesday. The accusation sparked a massive debate on social media, with fans from both teams arguing their points.

In an interaction with the media following the conclusion of the match against India, Hasan cited the ‘fake fielding’ incident as one of the reasons for his team’s defeat. Several fans have since taken to social media to highlight the incident, claiming that Bangladesh should have been awarded 5 runs as a result of Kohli’s actions.

Please don’t look at fake fielding as a reason for not reaching the target: Harsha Bhogle

Harsha Bhogle, a veteran cricket pundit, has now weighed in on the issue, advising Bangladesh fans not to ‘search for excuses’ following their defeat. He explained that for India to be given a 5-run penalty, the umpires must first notice it, evaluate it, and then decide whether the bowling side should be reprimanded.

“On the fake fielding incident, the truth is that nobody saw it. The umpires didn’t, the batters didn’t and we didn’t either. Law 41.5 does make provision for penalising fake fielding (the umpire still has to interpret it thus) but no one saw it. So what do you do!” he wrote in a Twitter thread.

“I don’t think anyone can complain about the ground being wet. Shakib was right when he said it should favour the batting side. The umpires and curators have to keep the game going till it is not possible to do so. And they handled it very well so that minimum time was lost.

“So, for my friends in Bangladesh, please don’t look at fake fielding or wet conditions as a reason for not reaching the target. If one of the batters had stayed till the end, Bangladesh could have won it. We are all guilty of it….when we search for excuses, we don’t grow,” Harsha added.

Here is his Twitter thread

On the fake fielding incident, the truth is that nobody saw it. The umpires didn't, the batters didn't and we didn't either. Law 41.5 does make provision for penalising fake fielding (the umpire still has to interpret it thus) but no one saw it. So what do you do!

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 3, 2022

So, for my friends in Bangladesh, please don't look at fake fielding or wet conditions as a reason for not reaching the target. If one of the batters had stayed till the end, Bangladesh could have won it. We are all guilty of it….when we search for excuses, we don't grow.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 3, 2022