NEW DELHI: The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no stranger to drama, but sometimes, the most surprising moments happen off the field. Former England captain Michael Vaughan took a playful dig at the IPL after Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) called for a strategic timeout despite needing just two runs off 24 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
Vaughan, known for his sharp wit on social media, couldn’t resist commenting on what seemed like an unnecessary break in play.
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Taking to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Only in the IPL can you have a strategic time out with 2 needed off 24 balls with 5 wkts remaining. #India”, followed by a teasing emoji.
The timeout, which is usually taken to discuss tactical adjustments or break the opposition’s momentum, appeared redundant given the match situation.
With LSG comfortably cruising to victory, many fans and experts found the decision puzzling, making it a perfect moment for Vaughan’s trademark sarcasm.
As far as the rules are concerned, each team gets one three-minute strategic timeout per innings — bowling teams between overs 6-9 and batting teams between overs 13-16. If a team hasn’t taken its strategic timeout before the 16th over, it is automatically enforced after that over.
Before this unusual timeout became a talking point, the match itself had plenty of fireworks.
LSG’s Shardul Thakur produced a masterclass in pace bowling, dismantling SRH’s top order with figures of 4/34. Despite Travis Head’s aggressive 47 off 28 balls, SRH struggled to gain momentum and posted a modest 191.
Chasing the target, Nicholas Pooran turned the game into a one-man show, hammering a breathtaking 70 off just 26 balls, laced with seven fours and six sixes. Supported by Mitchell Marsh (52 off 31), LSG made light work of the chase, winning by five wickets with 23 balls to spare.
While the IPL is famous for its high-octane action, it also produces moments of amusement and controversy. Vaughan’s jibe is just another reminder of how the league, despite being the pinnacle of T20 cricket, sometimes throws up baffling occurrences.
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