Richard Kettleborough grinned after the decision.
After the India-Bangladesh World Cup match, there are two important topics that are in the spotlight on social media. First, Indian batsman Virat Kohli’s remarkable century, and second, the viral memes and discussions circulating about match referee Richard Kettleborough’s non-wide call and his subsequent expression.
With a batting average of 97, Indian superstar Virat Kohli looked set to complete his hundred in the 2023 World Cup match against Bangladesh on Thursday. However, Bangladesh left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed threw a spanner in Kohli’s works by bowling a ball down the leg side. Although it looked like a wide delivery, umpire Richard Ketlleborough refused to signal the extra point, pouring cold water on the Bangladesh spinner’s plans.
However, referee Richard Kettleborough’s unexpected decision surprised many. Even Kohli seemed disappointed with the bowler’s intentions, but the umpire seemingly backed his call.
The humorous aspect of the situation was referee Richard Kettleborough’s slanted smile, which he showed after ruling the ball out of bounds. This infectious smile quickly became the subject of countless memes, which have now gone viral on social media. Some users have even humorously suggested that Richard should be awarded the prestigious Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
Let’s take a look at some of these fun memes:
#ViratKohli#indiavsbangladesh#INDvBAN#Referee must be given #INFLUENCE player of the match.
😂😂😂#ViratKohli#Pune#RichardKettleborough#TeamBharatpic.twitter.com/oZu8fe2C6Q— Swapnananda Jena (@Iam__sipp) October 19, 2023
Give Bharat Ratna to Richard Kettleborough. pic.twitter.com/UScWMdd1ji
— *Roe Joot* (@ImGani22) October 19, 2023
The name is Richard Kettleborough!!#INDvBAN#ODIWorldCup2023#ICCWorldCup2023#INDvsBANpic.twitter.com/42BzhcH2Ac
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) October 19, 2023
This is for you #ViratKohli ❤️#INDvsBANpic.twitter.com/zw6mwbokNF
— Richard Kettleborough (@RichardUmpire1) October 19, 2023
Referee Richard Kettleborough enters the Indian dressing room:#TeamBharat#INDvsBAN#refereepic.twitter.com/pW33JRKdja
— Ashutosh Srivastava 🇮🇳 (@sri_ashutosh08) October 19, 2023
However, India registered a seven-wicket win over Bangladesh in their ICC Cricket World Cup match in Pune. With four wins in four matches, India is in second place in the points table with eight points. New Zealand is at the top, with a better net run rate. Bangladesh is at the seventh spot with one win and three losses.
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