T20 World Cup Final: Suryakumar Yadav’s tournament-saving catch sparks debate as fresh video surfaces online

In Shorts: 

- Suryakumar Yadav's catch was compared to Kapil Dev's 1983 World Cup moment 

- Debate over whether Suryakumar Yadav's shoe touched the boundary cushion 

- Title-winning catch in the final over when South Africa needed 16 runs

- Richard Kettleborough deemed the catch legal after a quick review

 - ICC Section 19.3 on Boundary cushion movement 

After 17 long years, Team India lifted their second T20 World Cup title and the jinx has finally been broken. Rohit Sharma and Co. defeated South Africa by seven runs in the final in Barbados on Saturday. India are now the third side to lift the elusive trophy twice after West Indies and England.

Virat Kohli’s rescue half-century, Axar Patel’s counter-attack, Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh’s double-wicket economic spell, Hardik Pandya picking up Heinrich Klaasen’s wicket, Suryakumar Yadav taking dangerous David Miller’s catch in the final over. Which among these should have had the most impact on India's thrilling victory in the final?

Also Check: The Moment Of Team India lifting second T20 World Cup title after 17 long years

It’s very hard to pinpoint one particular aspect, but Suryakumar Yadav's breathtaking catch was definitely a game-changer. South Africa needed 16 runs off the last over and would have relaxed their camp when they saw David Miller in the middle. The southpaw hit the first ball over the bowler and it destined to fly over the boundary ropes. 

But Suryakumar came in like an angel to pluck it as he moved to the left, then juggled it up as he was going over the ropes. He managed to hold onto it and it turned out to be a tournament-saving catch. Ian Smith from the commentary box labelled it "one of the greatest" in cricket history.

What is the controversy about?

Suryakumar’s catch was sent upstairs for a review and third umpire Richard Kettleborough deemed it a legal catch, dashing South Africa's hopes. The cricket fraternity and the entire nation applauded the star cricketer for his stunning effort and presence of mind at a crucial juncture.

But a fresh video from an eagle-eyed has surfaced on the internet and some believe South Africa have been robbed of victory. The fielder was so close to the boundary cushion when he grabbed the catch at long-off. The debate was that his shoe touched the cushion as it clearly seemed to move.

Watch the video below: 

This certainly deserved more than one look, just saying. Boundary rope looks like it clearly moves. 🤷 pic.twitter.com/ulWyT5IJxy

— Ben Curtis 🇿🇦 (@BenCurtis22) June 29, 2024

Some also pointed out that the cushioning of the boundary rope was pushed back just before the catch. However, according to ICC's playing conditions, it is the cushion and not the white line, which is the boundary. Section 19.3 states: "If a solid object used to mark the boundary is disturbed for any reason, then the boundary shall be considered to be in its original position."

Surya’s catch was compared to 1983 World Cup-winning captain Kapil Dev’s iconic moment. The legendary all-rounder ran sideways from mid-on towards the boundary to dismiss Viv Richards in the final. That catch swung the game in India's favour, as did Surya's catch against South Africa. 

Also Check: Rahul Dravid hoisted by Indian team after T20 World Cup win over South Africa