Bengaluru: In a surprising turn of events on Wednesday, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets, it wasn’t just the victory celebrations that caught attention. Players and fans alike were left stunned as the Man of the Match award was given to a player other than the most deserving candidate.
After Lucknow posted 146 runs, Bengaluru chased down the target comfortably, reaching 149 for five in just 15.1 overs to climb to the top of the points table. During Lucknow’s innings, RCB pacer Rasikh Salam delivered a standout performance, claiming four wickets for 24 runs, making him the strongest contender for the Man of the Match award. Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up three wickets, while Krunal Pandya added two.
However, the award was instead given to Josh Hazlewood, who took just one wicket for 20 runs. His only breakthrough came in the seventh over when he clean bowled Nicholas Pooran for just one run.
Former India opener Aakash Chopra expressed his surprise on social media, stating that Rasikh Salam was a more deserving candidate than Hazlewood for the Man of the Match award. He questioned the decision, calling it unfair.
Chopra further added that denying a young player like Rasikh Salam such recognition despite a match-winning performance could negatively impact his morale. Prakash Bhatt served as the match referee for the game.
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