Ranji Trophy 2018-19: Harsha Bhogle engages in a Twitter banter over Cheteshwar Pujara's controversy

One of the most revered and respected cricket analysts of all time, Harsha Bhogle has received more love from the Indian cricket fans than most of the other commentators. He blends his astute expertise with a ting of sarcasm sometimes, making his analysis and viewpoint more noteworthy.

He’s pretty active on Twitter when it comes to appreciating talents and he was full of praises once again for Indian stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara. After a heroic performance Down Under, Pujara joined his domestic side Saurashtra, who are on course to win their maiden Ranji Trophy. Pujara slammed a crucial ton in a tricky run chase against Karnataka in the semifinal and once again showcased his fortitude.

Unfortunately for the 31-year-old, it wasn’t his knock that hogged limelight, but a couple of horrendous incidents which drew inexplicable hatred. Pujara had clearly nicked the ball in the first innings off Abhimanyu Mithun, but the umpire failed to spot it. Pujara was bashed severely on social media for not showing sportsmanship and deciding to stay in the middle.

Bhogle joins the banter

Bhogle put out a tweet heaping praises on Pujara’s knock in the second innings, which didn’t go down well with some fans. “For all my friends in Australia who are wondering if Pujara is tired of batting, the news is he has already played 300 balls in the Ranji trophy semi-final and is still batting,” He tweeted.

Film Producer from Karnataka Karthik Gowda gave a sarcastic reply mocking Pujara’s sportsmanship. He replied “Yes and with not walking off wen he nicked twice to the keeper.”

Here’s how the conversation started between the two

For all my friends in Australia who are wondering if Pujara is tired of batting, the news is he has already played 300 balls in the Ranji trophy semi-final and is still batting.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2019

Yes and with not walking off wen he nicked twice to the keeper. 😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/da2e0WdbQf

— Karthik Gowda (@Karthik1423) January 27, 2019

Bhogle was quick to pounce on and ask what he would’ve done if umpires had given a wrong decision against Pujara and Karnataka players refused to call the player back. Mr. Gowda politely put an end to the debate with a slightly diplomatic tweet, but the controversy is far from ending.

I am assuming you would have launched a campaign across media if he had got a bad decision and the Karnataka players hadn't called him back. https://t.co/hNImsjl1Qa

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 27, 2019

Probably wud have put up a feeler….not a biased person…. But not a campaign for sure… Don't have time for that 👍 https://t.co/dnHhXXbx0Q

— Karthik Gowda (@Karthik1423) January 27, 2019

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