WHO IS THE VILLAIN?

On the third day of the South Africa versus India cricket test match, rain stopped the play in the last session. Nature in the form of rain interfered with the game and became a villain. Indian Captain Virat Kohli was excited after his 152 score even though India was all out for 307 runs — 28 runs short of South African score of 335 in the first innings. Everything looked fine until the game resumed after the rain. The ground was wet but playable. The ball was somewhat damp forcing Virat Kohli to press for the pace attack as Ashwin was unable to hold the slippery ball and spin. The matter was brought before the umpires who insisted on continuing the game. Was umpire the villain here?

Therefter, De Villiers faced the pace attack of Bumrah. He decided to go to the umpire and complain of bad light. Umpires acceded to his request, checked for bad light and stopped the game. Is De Villiers the villain? Naturally, Virat Kohli was again agitated, finding his team at a disadvantage. The pace bowlers were doing well. He went to the third umpire with his grievance. The game was held up and umpires, spectators, players and commentators waited for the clouds to pass, but in vain. The stumps were drawn for the day. The ICC had seen it all and we had to wait and see how the story would unfold. Will the whole matter be downplayed or will some action be taken against the villain — nature, Virat Kohli, the umpires or De Villiers? — KV Chidambaram, by e-mail