Want us to keep quiet? Watch KL Rahul argue with umpire to back Prasidh vs Root

India Today

4 days ago

Things heated up on Day 2 of the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Following a spicy build-up to the series finale—which included exchanges between India coach Gautam Gambhir and The Oval curator—the two sets of players engaged in a sledging battle on Friday in London. Leading the charge were the Indian fast bowlers, who attempted to rattle the England batters after a bruising morning session.advertisementKL Rahul, one of India's senior players, stepped in to support his bowlers as they tried to get under the skin of the English batters. The flashpoint came in the second session, when Prasidh Krishna targeted Joe Root, attempting to sledge the veteran batter. Prasidh was seen engaging in a verbal exchange with Root, who—uncharacteristically—lost his temper. ENG vs IND 5th Test Day 2 UpdatesRoot didn't back down, returning fire and escalating the confrontation. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena had to intervene quickly, stepping in to separate the players. The Sri Lankan official was then seen having a word with Prasidh, appearing to ask the young pacer to rein it in.
It was clear that Prasidh had ramped up the aggression by provoking Root—widely known as one of the calmest cricketers in the game. However, KL Rahul appeared displeased that only the Indian bowler had been warned by the umpire.Rahul was spotted having a pointed conversation with Dharmasena, questioning whether the Indian players were expected to simply take the sledging in silence."What do you want us to do, keep quiet? What do you want us to do—bat, bowl, and go home?" Rahul was heard saying via the stump mic.KL Rahul to Dharmasena:"What do you want us to do, keep quiet?"What do you want us to do, bat bowl and go home?"KL Rahul came to save Prasidh Krishnapic.twitter.com/a6la9HvZB5— Farrago Abdullah Parody (@abdullah_0mar) August 1, 2025Despite the warning, Prasidh continued to go after Root in his next over, not dialling down his aggression.Interestingly, the sledging on Day 2 was sparked by Ben Duckett, who was picked up on the stump mic cheekily challenging Akash Deep to dismiss him. Duckett led England's aggressive approach with the bat after bowling India out for 224 in their first innings. He batted well outside the crease to counter swing and deployed unconventional shots—reverse sweeps included—to throw the Indian bowlers off their rhythm.Duckett and opening partner Zak Crawley tore into an Indian bowling attack missing the services of Jasprit Bumrah, adding 92 runs in just 77 balls. Duckett was eventually dismissed by Akash Deep while attempting yet another reverse sweep.advertisementAkash gave Duckett a pointed send-off, placing an arm around the England opener and having a few words as he walked back to the pavilion.Despite Duckett's dismissal, England raced to 109 for 1 at lunch on Day 2, threatening to seize control of the match.However, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna led a stunning fightback. The two pacers shared eight wickets between them as England were bundled out for 247. While the hosts claimed a slender 23-run lead, India held the edge—particularly with England set to bat last on a pitch beginning to show signs of wear.- EndsTune InYou May Also Like