Social Media Erupts After Pakistan Star Questions Iconic Sachin Tendulkar's 2011 World Cup Lifeline

By Suresh

*Ek taan of controversy, indeed.* Cricket's rhythm has a way of striking dissonant notes, and social media is currently buzzing over a claim from Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal regarding that fateful 2011 World Cup semifinal against India. On that March day in Mumbai, Tendulkar graced the crease with the patience of an *alap*—scoring 85 off 115 balls as India posted a respectable 260/9. Pakistan, in their chase, were bundled out for just 231, India prevailing by 29 runs to march toward the trophy. But it is a single moment that Ajmal cannot let rest. He recalls Tendulkar dismissed LBW on 23, a pad-fronted delivery from his own arm, umpire Ian Gould raising his finger. Gambhir, at the other end, urged the review. Replays showed the ball would have missed the leg stump—Tendulkar survived. "They started really well... Till date, I think the last frame of the DRS was changed," Ajmal remarked, suggesting the technology itself was altered. The community has not taken this kindly. Old wounds of that era stir easily, and Ajmal's words have reignited the debate once more. A fitting farewell to a fine bowler: Ajmal finished with 178 Test wickets (last in Colombo, 2014), 50 wickets in 2011 alone, and 184 ODI wickets at an economy of just 4.18 before his final ODI against Bangladesh in April 2015. Some notes echo longer than others. *With PTI inputs* Source: NDTV Sports