Former India coach Ravi Shastri criticised Royal Challengers Bengaluru for their time-wasting injury delays, praising the quick decision by Khaleel Ahmed during the Indian Premier League 2026 clash.
His remarks came during the match between Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.
Khaleel Ahmed Walks Off to Avoid Delay
Late in the second innings, Khaleel Ahmed struggled with cramps due to extreme heat and humidity.
- He initially tried to continue bowling
- Stopped mid run-up due to discomfort
- Chose to walk off the field immediately
This allowed the match to continue smoothly, with another bowler completing the over.
Shastri’s On-Air Reaction
Commentating on the incident, Ravi Shastri said:
“Rather than calling the physio and wasting 10 minutes… he has decided to walk off.”
The remark was widely seen as a direct dig at RCB’s previous match conduct.
RCB vs MI Match Sparks Controversy
The criticism relates to a recent match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians, where:
- Multiple injury timeouts caused long delays
- The physio entered the field three times in a single over
- The match stretched to 4 hours 22 minutes, one of the longest in IPL history
This led to backlash from fans and experts.
Sunil Gavaskar Also Expresses Frustration
Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar also criticised the repeated stoppages, saying:
“Just go off the field, get treatment, and then come back…”
His comments highlighted growing concerns over game pace in IPL 2026.
Growing Concerns Over Match Duration
The issue has sparked a wider debate about:
- Increasing match durations
- Frequent medical interruptions
- Impact on viewer experience
Some IPL games are now exceeding four hours, raising questions about regulations.
The contrasting approaches—Khaleel Ahmed walking off quickly versus repeated stoppages in the Indian Premier League 2026—have reignited debate over sportsmanship and time management in cricket.
As criticism grows, IPL authorities may face pressure to introduce stricter rules to maintain the pace of play.
