Ajinkya Rahane-led West Zone landed a heavy defeat of 294 runs on South Zone runs to clinch the 2022 Duleep Trophy title in Coimbatore on Sunday (September 25). West Zone wrapped up the match before lunch on Day 5.
South Zone were set a colossal target of 529 runs for the outright win but were bowled out for 234 in 71.2 overs, with left-arm Shams Mulani (4/51) picking up three of the four wickets to fall on the final day.
However, sometime before the match was actually wrapped up, team India veteran Ajinkya Rahane displayed his leadership skills as a captain when he chose to send back star batter and youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal to the stands.
The incident occurred on the fifth day when West Zone captain Rahane sent youngster Yashasvi Jaiswal away from the field due to disciplinary issues as he was sledging Ravi Teja who was left irritated when the verbal volleys continued.
Meanwhile, skipper Rahane has finally explained why he sent Jaiswal out of the park. saying he always valued the trait of respecting the game and that he stands by his call.
"You have to follow rules and respect the game, your opponents and the umpires. That's the way I have always played my cricket and I will continue to do so. There are certain things you must follow on the field, if you don't, you get off the field. This is my mantra," Rahane said.
"I believe in always respecting your opponents, umpires and match officials. So you have to handle certain incidents in a certain manner," he added.
Jaiswal was away from the field for as many as 7 overs before he returned to join the proceedings.
Barring the unruly behaviour on the final day, Jaiswal had a memorable Duleep Trophy final. The left-handed opener was named the Player of the Match for his second innings double hundred. Jaiswal hit 285 as West Zone went on to win the final by 294 runs despite conceding a first-innings lead.
Jaiswal said he was happy with his efforts in the Duleep Trophy final and that sharing the dressing room with seniors helped him realise the importance of staying hungry for more success.
"I'm happy but I think I need to keep going ahead. I just think about the way I'm applying myself and going through the processes. I keep talking to the seniors - Ajinkya and Shreyas (Iyer), and take their advice seriously to try and improve," Jaiswal said.