Ruturaj Gaikwad was in for a rude surprise when the Indian pacer was denied entry to the team bus ahead of India’s eight-wicket win over South Africa in the first ODI in Johannesburg on Sunday. Gaikwad was engrossed in his mobile phone as he approached the bus, but just as he was about to enter the vehicle, the door closed, leaving him confused. The incident may not have been intentional, but it was certainly funny enough for the Internet to kick into gear. Gaikwad’s reaction became fodder for memes as they came up with some gems to sum up the situation.
Gaikwad was dismissed cheaply for 5 off 10 balls in the fourth over as India chased 117 to win. He hit a boundary but fell LBW to Wiaan Mulder, hitting his third single in five ODI innings. Gaikwad’s wicket though made little impact as unbeaten half-centuries by Shreyas Iyer and debutant Sai Sudarshan took India over the line and gave them a 1-0 lead. However, the online meme fest erupted after Gaikwad was banned from entry following his dismissal due to his low grade.
Here are some reactions:
The foundation for India’s win was laid by fast bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan, both of whom combined to pick up 8 wickets and, in the process, recorded their best ODI bowling figures. Arshdeep took 5/37, Avesh picked 4/27 as South Africa were bowled out for 116 in 27.3 overs. This was South Africa’s second-biggest ODI defeat in terms of ball remaining – 200 – and India’s fourth-biggest defeat. Also, the South African’s nine wickets down the pace was India’s highest in an ODI against the Proteas. Arshdeep also became the fourth Indian bowler to take a five-wicket haul against South Africa after Sunil Joshi, Yuzvendra Chahal and Ravindra Jadeja.
Among the batsmen, Sai Sudharsen achieved an impressive feat himself as he became the fourth Indian batsman to reach fifty on his ODI debut after Robin Uthappa, KL Rahul and Faiz Fazal.