Cricket South Africa (CSA) faced significant embarrassment during the first T20I match against India at Kingsmead, Durban, on November 8, 2024, when India’s national anthem was interrupted twice due to a technical glitch. This incident not only left players bewildered but also sparked outrage among fans, who expressed their discontent on social media.

An awkward prelude due to a technical glitch

As the teams lined up for the national anthems, India’s anthem began to play but was abruptly cut off midway. The Indian players, showing remarkable composure, continued to hum along despite the interruption. However, when the anthem stopped for a second time, confusion swept over the players, including notable figures like Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, who were visibly perplexed by the situation. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel managed to smile through the tension, but the disruption was palpable among both teams and the audience alike.

The crowd’s reaction was mixed; while many applauded the players’ professionalism in handling the awkward moment, others took to social media to voice their anger. Fans labelled the incident as “unacceptable,” questioning CSA’s organization and calling for accountability regarding such a significant aspect of any sporting event—the national anthem.

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Here’s the video:

Technical issues while playing India national anthem at South Africa #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/zERCrEi3DV

— Mr.Perfect 🗿 (@gotnochills007) November 8, 2024

India’s stellar performance amidst controversy

Despite this unsettling start, India’s performance on the field was commendable. Wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson shone brightly, scoring his second consecutive T20I century (107 off 50 deliveries) and becoming only the fourth player in men’s T20Is to achieve this feat. Surya praised Samson for prioritizing team success over personal milestones, highlighting his dedication and hard work over the years.

Surya ‘s leadership has been marked by a series of victories since he took over as captain in T20 cricket. He attributed this latest win to the team’s fearless approach and camaraderie. “The boys have made my job easier,” he stated during the post-match presentation, emphasizing that they play without fear and enjoy their time on and off the field.

While CSA has yet to release an official statement addressing the anthem incident, it serves as a reminder of how crucial such ceremonial moments are in sports. The technical glitch may have overshadowed the beginning of an exciting match but could not dampen India’s spirit or performance on that day. As both teams shift their focus back to cricket, fans will undoubtedly hope for smoother proceedings in future encounters.

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