‘What Are You Doing?’ Frustrated Siraj Confronts Afghanistan Batter Over Defensive Tactics

India pacer Mohammed Siraj cut a visibly frustrated figure on Day 3 of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, confronting batter Rahmat Shah during a prolonged phase of defensive cricket that left the hosts exasperated.

The incident unfolded after Afghanistan’s Sharafuddin Ashraf, struggling with an injury, found it difficult to run between the wickets. As a result, Rahmat and Ashraf largely abandoned any attempt at scoring, instead focusing solely on survival with dot-ball after dot-ball.

The lack of intent appeared to irritate Siraj, who approached Rahmat after one defensive shot and exchanged words with the Afghanistan batter. Television cameras showed the Indian pacer pointing animatedly as Rahmat responded with a smile.

Former England spinner Graeme Swann, who was on commentary at the time, sympathised with Siraj’s reaction.

“Siraj is asking him, ‘Mate, what are you doing?’ You are just blocking it now. There are so many overs left. Siraj is getting rattled,” Swann said.

He added: “Siraj is saying, ‘It’s ridiculous.’ Get him off the field and get somebody in who can actually play cricket. I have got a lot of sympathy for Siraj here.”

The drama was further amplified when broadcast cameras captured members of the Afghanistan support staff laughing in the dressing room during the unusual passage of play.

“Seeing a lot of amusement in the Afghanistan box,” Swann remarked.

Former India spinner Murali Kartik also questioned Afghanistan’s approach, agreeing that the batting strategy was difficult to understand.

Dream Debut for Manav Suthar

Amid the on-field drama, debutant Manav Suthar produced a memorable performance, claiming six wickets to help India bowl Afghanistan out for 152.

The left-arm spinner registered a five-wicket haul on debut and finished with figures of six wickets as India secured a commanding 412-run first-innings lead before enforcing the follow-on.

Prasidh Krishna chipped in with three wickets, while Washington Sundar claimed the final scalp.

Rahmat Shah was Afghanistan’s standout performer with a fighting 60.

Earlier, India captain Shubman Gill won the toss and opted to bat first. India piled up 564/8 declared, with centuries from Gill and KL Rahul, while Sai Sudharsan and Rishabh Pant contributed 81 runs each.