“Was Sehwag’s 99 a Coincidence? The Suraj Randiv’s No-Ball”

In 2010, during a triangular series in Sri Lanka, the spirit of cricket was put to the test. What happened on that field shocked fans and sparked debates all over the world.

Virender Sehwag, known for his explosive batting, was on the verge of a century, needing just one more run. But what happened next wasn’t a celebration—it was a deliberate act that denied Sehwag his century and raised serious questions about sportsmanship in cricket.

Sehwag’s Stunning Knock: A Century in Sight

The stage was set on August 21, 2010, during the third ODI of the triangular series in Dambulla, featuring India, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand. India needed just five runs to win, with Virender Sehwag on 99*, inching closer to yet another century. The crowd was buzzing, the match nearly over, and Sehwag was in full flow, smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers to all parts of the ground.

But just as Sehwag was on the edge of completing a glorious century, something shocking happened. What should have been a perfect ending suddenly took an unexpected turn.

The No-Ball That Changed Everything

As Sehwag was all set to finish the game in style, Sri Lankan off-spinner Suraj Randiv stepped up to bowl. But what happened next left everyone speechless. In a shocking move, Randiv bowled a deliberate no-ball.

While the no-ball added the winning run to India’s total, it also meant that Sehwag couldn’t reach his century. Sehwag hit the ball for a six, but since the no-ball had already sealed the win, those runs didn’t count. Sehwag was left stranded on 99*, and the cricketing world was left in disbelief.

Fans Divided: Fair Play or Foul Play?

The incident sparked a massive disapproval. Fans were angry, accusing Randiv and Sri Lanka of dishonest behavior. The cricketing world was split down the middle:

• Some argued it was a clever tactic within the rules, even if it lacked sportsmanship.
• Others saw it as a open disrespect to the spirit of cricket.

To make things more suspicious, there was widespread speculation that Randiv’s no-ball was intentional—meant to deny Sehwag his century. Even more telling, Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara was reportedly heard on the stump mic, suggesting that Randiv could bowl a no-ball if he wanted to stop Sehwag from reaching his hundred.

Randiv Punished: Did Justice Prevail?

The backlash was swift. Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) investigated the incident and found that Randiv’s no-ball was intentional. As a result:

• Randiv was suspended for one match and issued a public apology.
• The Sri Lankan team faced criticism for compromising the spirit of the game.

The controversy reignited discussions about sportsmanship, with calls to ensure such incidents didn’t tarnish the game’s reputation.

Sehwag’s Classy Response

Virender Sehwag, known for his fiery nature on the field, responded to the incident with his trademark calmness. Initially, he played down the situation, but later, he made it clear that he believed the no-ball was deliberate. He pointed out that Suraj Randiv hadn’t bowled a single no-ball throughout the entire series—until that moment. 

Sehwag, ever the straight shooter, remarked, “No team wants anybody to score hundreds against them,” expressing his disappointment over the unsportsmanlike behavior.

Despite his frustration, Sehwag handled the situation with class, choosing to focus on the bigger picture and maintaining his respect for the game. His response only added fuel to the ongoing debate about fairness and the true spirit of cricket.

Lessons Cricket Can’t Ignore

This incident was more than just a footnote in cricket history. It highlighted the fine line between playing to win and respecting the values of the sport. Key lessons emerged:

• Sportsmanship Matters: Winning isn’t everything; how you play the game matters more.
• Accountability is Key: Randiv’s suspension sent a strong message against unsportsmanlike behavior.
• The Spirit of Cricket Lives On: Despite such incidents, cricket continues to hold its values dear.

A Controversy That Won’t Be Forgotten

More than a decade later, the no-ball controversy is still remembered as a moment when cricket’s spirit was tested. For Sehwag, it was a bittersweet memory—he may not have scored a century that day, but his grace and reaction won hearts worldwide.
And for fans, it’s a reminder: In cricket, as in life, the journey is as important as the destination.