The Runout: A run that Gavaskar and Langer felt was unnecessary and would have evoked the “kaayko khalipili”, “kashala ugeech” reaction in Mumbai | Cricket News

The futility of this attempt was confirmed by Sunil Gavaskar and Justin Langer on Star Sports as they expressed their dismay and questioned the need to take this risk with stumps less than 10 overs away.

Speaking to Star Sports, Gavaskar said, “It would have been a quick run and someone like Virat Kohli would have definitely done it.” But the thing was, he was looking at the fielder. If you look at the fielder when you turn around, you have lost that crucial second. And then of course you think: “No, I want to do it.” Your credit is completely out of balance. And it would have been a close race.”

The veteran Mumbai legend wondered aloud about the need to even try. “I think why do you have to do a run at this stage that carries some risk? You bat well, the runs come. At this point the risk wasn’t really necessary. But it could have been completed only because Kohli is such a fantastic runner between the wickets,” he said.

Australian Justin Langer was surprised that the Indians had made a failed attempt to injure Pat Cummins’ arm. “I thought it was a risky run because Pat Cummins is a brilliant athlete. Even if he hadn’t picked it up, in Pat Cummins’ mind he would have chosen the non-striker. It would have been close, but I thought it was a risky run. There was no need for it at this point in the game. They were upstairs. They had it absolutely under control,” he said.

Kohli seemed to point out the fielder’s presence and suggest that it was a bad idea. Langer said: “As fast as he is, I thought it was too risky a run. I love watching guys fall and run hard, but this was a risky run. I think that’s what Virat said.”