BIPIN DANI
In a match already brimming with tension, grit, and drama, the final day of the third Test between India and England at Lord’s delivered an unexpected moment that reminded us all cricket, for all its grandeur, is still a deeply human sport.
As India teetered on the edge of defeat, chasing 193 and reduced to nine wickets down, Ravindra Jadeja stood tall with an unbeaten 61, fighting valiantly to script a miracle. But after 68 overs of relentless concentration and battling England’s fiery attack in freezing conditions, nature called and Jadeja had to answer.
With the tea interval extended by 30 minutes due to India’s precarious position, Jadeja sprinted off the field to relieve himself. What caught attention wasn’t just the urgency, but the protocol: he sought permission from England’s captain Ben Stokes, who, though reportedly not thrilled, allowed the brief exit.
Expert Insight: Courtesy vs. Protocol
Former ICC umpire and BCCI umpire coach Vinayak Kulkarni weighed in on the incident, offering clarity on the etiquette involved. “The batter needs to inform and seek permission from the umpires,” he explained. “If Jadeja had sought the captain’s nod, it would have been purely out of courtesy. No captain denies such permission.”
Kulkarni also highlighted the physiological realities of playing in extreme cold. “The urge to urinate should not be denied. Even umpires get relieved. Such incidents have happened when I was officiating in Ranji Trophy matches,” he added, grounding the moment in relatable experience.
Cold, Pressure, and Cricket’s Unscripted Moments
Jadeja’s dash wasn’t just a quirky footnote, it was a testament to the mental and physical toll of Test cricket. In a match where every run mattered and every minute was magnified, this brief interruption added a layer of authenticity to the spectacle.
England eventually clinched the match by 22 runs, taking a 2-1 lead in the series. But Jadeja’s gritty knock and his candid moment of vulnerability will be etched in memory as a reminder that even heroes need a break.
