'You can't bat again...': AB de Villiers on Rohit Sharma's Super Over controversy against Afghanistan

Rohit Sharma produced a stunning knock against Afghanistan in the third T20I but his outing in that game was not bereft of controversy. Rohit had seemingly retired out in the first Super Over in order to allow Rinku Singh to come down to bat in his place at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

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Experts and pundits were left confused when Rohit walked out to bat alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal for the second Super Over attempt. Some felt Rohit had violated ICC’s Playing Conditions for men’s T20Is by opting to bat again. Others were of the view that Rohit’s decision was well within the laws of the game. Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers has now shared his view on this contentious matter.

De Villiers categorically stated that a player cannot bat again if he is declared out in the first Super Over.

“Double Super Over? Unbelievable (smiles). You can’t bat again if you are declared out in the first Super Over. I think maybe they will claim that he was retired hurt due to an injury and maybe it was a scoring mistake to show him out,” the legendary South Africa cricketer said on his YouTube channel.

De Villiers was impressed with Rinku Singh’s performances. “Rinku is a fantastic player, a match-winner, and it is good to see him become consistent as well. You need to be a consistent player who is always trying to win games for your team,” Mr. 360 pointed out.

Having made his international debut in August last year, Rinku has already impressed everyone with his clinical hitting and finishing skills. Having featured in 15 T20Is so far, the 26-year-old has notched 356 runs at an average of 89. Rinku also has a formidable strike rate of 176.23 in this format. He has two half centuries under his belt in T20I cricket.

Thanks to his stellar performances, the southpaw is expected to be a part of the Team India squad for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held later this year in June.