Umpire Richard Kettleborough found himself in a bit of controversy during the recent ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and Bangladesh at the MCA Stadium in Pune on October 19.

During the ending moments of the Indian chase, a moment stirred up controversy and humor, when Kettleborough denied a wide ball down the leg side. This helped Virat Kohli complete his well-deserved century in Pune.

The incident took place during Team India’s innings when Bangladesh's Nasum Ahmed delivered a ball that seemed wide as it passed Kohli's leg-side. However, much to the surprise of many, including Kohli himself, Kettleborough did not signal it as a wide.

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This decision offered Kohli an opportunity to notch his 48th ODI century, bringing him an inch closer to equaling Sachin Tendulkar's historic record in the 50-over format. Kohli now needs one ton to equal Tendulkar’s record of most hundreds in ODI cricket.

Well, amidst the controversy, former Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh jokingly said that even the umpire seemed to be eager to see Kohli's century, as it was a wide that should be given.

Harbhajan Singh was quoted as saying by India Today: “Well, I think that Wide ball was actually, you know, it was quite wide. Nevertheless, let's leave that aside. I think Virat Kohli batted beautifully. You know, maybe not just, the Indians but also the umpire also wanted to see Virat Kohli getting that century.”

He added, “That was probably the reason, but it is good to see him in such form. He is so beautifully. And he got that brilliant 100 for India. And that's what makes everyone happy. No complaint on why it was not given wide whatsoever.”

(With India Today Inputs)