Sanjay Manjrekar Calls Out Sri Lanka’s ‘Unprofessional’ Approach Amid Bad-Light Controversy

India declared their first innings at 503 for 9 wickets during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Sri Lanka's response began late on Day 2, but the visitors encountered early difficulties as rain interrupted the final session and covers were brought onto the field. By the close of play, Sri Lanka had lost two wickets in three overs and trailed by 495 runs.

Prasidh Krishna dismissed Lahiru Udara before Manav Suthar removed Prabath Jayasuriya in the final over of the day. Jayasuriya was given out LBW, and he was spotted throwing his gloves inside the dressing room after the dismissal.

Throughout the final session, both Kamil Mishara and Jayasuriya repeatedly expressed frustration at the umpire's decision to allow play to continue in worsening light, even as India remained on the field and urged the officials to keep the match going.

"I see that as being slightly unprofessional. I know you want to nudge the umpire, saying it's bad light, but you can't take your eye off the ball. I thought the bad-light situation and their angst with the umpire consumed their minds, and they weren't focusing on the ball because the light was never that bad. We know the light is never so bad that you can't see the ball. It's just that there is a certain amount of darkness that is considered bad light, and it's offered to the batter," Manjrekar said on Sony Sports Network.

Jayasuriya's dismissal and Sri Lanka's reaction

Sri Lanka had earlier raised concerns over the playing conditions, but Manjrekar felt that this did not excuse the subsequent dismissal of India’s nightwatchman. He credited Suthar for producing an excellent delivery and India for making the most of the situation.

"Then maybe Sri Lanka had a point that it was bad light enough, but that doesn't condone the mistake that they made now. You can't blame a night watcher for getting out. That was a great delivery from Suthar, in a nice variation and a superb delivery from process at the finish as well," he added.

India's tactical pressure on the umpires

Manjrekar also praised India for their approach when the umpires were considering whether play could continue amid deteriorating light. According to him, the Indian players remained on the field and made it clear that they believed conditions were good enough for the match to continue. He suggested that India's stature in world cricket could have influenced the pressure on the officials.

"So credit goes to India for making that happen. Unfortunate for Sri Lanka, we'll have a look at Prabath. India will take that. India also played a very good part when the covers were being put on," Manjrekar added.

"They stood on the field. Putting pressure on the umpire, saying that we believe play could start and all these little things. They're heavyweights now in world cricket. If the Indian team just stood there believing that a game could start, and we felt the light was good enough. That puts a certain amount of pressure on the umpires," he concluded.