“The Towel Coming Off Is Not Relevant”: Sanjay Manjrekar Slams India’s Spirit of the Game vs UAE

The second match of the Asia Cup 2025 between India and the UAE saw one of the fastest finishes in tournament history, with India chasing down a small target in under five overs to secure a dominant 9-wicket win. While the match was one-sided, a moment in the first innings sparked debate, a gesture some saw as true sportsmanship, and others viewed as unnecessary.

During the 13th over of the UAE’s innings, a bizarre moment unfolded. As Shivam Dube ran in to bowl, a towel tucked into his waistband fell onto the pitch. Batter Junaid Siddique was visibly distracted and pointed toward it. In doing so, he failed to return to his crease.

Replays clearly showed Siddique short of his ground. The big screen flashed OUT. However, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav chose to withdraw the appeal, acknowledging that the batter had been distracted by the towel.

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Initially, many assumed the appeal was withdrawn simply due to the match situation, with the UAE already collapsing. But replays confirmed that Siddique’s dismissal had come directly as a result of the towel falling mid-run-up.

This move from Suryakumar Yadav offered a brief breather to the UAE, who were struggling to survive a brutal spell from Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube.

Sanjay Manjrekar Not Impressed

Not everyone agreed with the decision. Former India batter and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar criticized the move on-air:

“The towel coming off is not relevant. It is just a case of India trying to be nice to the UAE team,” he remarked.

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A Bowling Masterclass

Earlier in the match, Suryakumar Yadav had won the toss and opted to bowl first. Jasprit Bumrah struck early with a trademark yorker, and from there, it was a demolition job. Kuldeep Yadav ripped through the middle order with figures of 4 wickets, while Shivam Dube cleaned up the tail with 3 of his own. UAE were bundled out for just 57.

Chasing a low total, Indian openers Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill went on the attack during the power play. Suryakumar Yadav joined in to help finish the job in under five overs, sealing a massive win to kick off India’s title defense in style.

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