Published By: Rohit Chatterjee

Crucial Matches That Did Not Go in India’s Favour Ft. Umpire Richard Kettleborough

The first game of the Test series between India and Bangladesh is in progress, with Kettleborough serving as one of the field umpires

The much-awaited India vs. Bangladesh Test match is already underway, with India having lost a few early wickets. Despite the initial heartbreak, India remains the favourite to win the Test, given the nation’s dominance in cricket. Not to forget, Bangladesh has never proved to be a strong side in Test matches against India. Yes, the neighbouring country recently upset PAK, but India is a different ball game.

However, one factor has put Indian fans on the backfoot—it is the presence of umpire Richard Kettleborough on the pitch alongside another field umpire, Rod Tucker. For the unversed souls, Kettleborough is often known to be jinxing India’s wins because the men in blue have lost multiple crucial games over the years.

The Kettleborough Curse

World Cup Final 2023

The most recent big match one could think of is the World Cup final game between India and Australia in 2023. As we are aware, despite a strong batting lineup, India could only post a target of 240 runs, which was easily chased by Australia. Even before the game had begun, social media X was full of Indians expressing their ‘dhakdhakhorela’ moments via memes.

World Cup semi-final 2019

India suffered another heartbreak at the 2019 World Cup when, despite halting New Zealand to a mere target of 239, India lost the game by 18 runs. The biggest highlight of India’s downfall was probably the direct hit by Martin Guptill to remove Dhoni at a crucial time when India was 216 for 7, needing 25 runs off 10 balls. Watching all the drama unfolding was umpire Richard Kettleborough.

Champions Trophy 2017

Losing the World Cup is distressing for every Indian fan, but losing to PAK is humiliating for India given two nations' political tension. India has always had an upper hand over PAK in major competitions, but in 2017, the PAK boys played well, defeating India with a humongous margin of 180 runs. Against a target of 338 runs, our lads were bundled in merely 158 runs. The game was umpired by Richard Kettleborough.

T20 World Cup semi-final 2016

While this loss was not surprising given how the West Indies over the last decade have developed a pool of hitters; players who cannot stand too long on the pitch but in the shortest format of the game—are destructive. Despite India putting on 192 runs on the board in 20 overs, the West Indies chased down the target in 19.4 overs by losing only three wickets. Played at the Wankhede Stadium, Kettleborough was the match referee.

ODI World Cup semi-final 2015

Another crucial stage in the World Cup, another loss for India; the Men in Blue lost to the Kangaroos in the semi-final by 95 runs. Batting first, the Aussies posted a target of 328 runs, but in response, India only managed 233 runs. This game, too, was officiated by Richard Kettleborough.

T20 World Cup final 2014

2014 was a peak time for India, given that the team was full of stars and that the nation had recently won the ODI World Cup (2011). Therefore, expectations were high as the fans hoped the team would keep its momentum going. However, India’s batting was poor, falling apart in 130 runs, a target that was easily chased by Sri Lanka in 17.5 overs.

Will India maintain its winning streak, or will Bangladesh cause a historic upset? Let’s keep our fingers crossed and hope the Kettleborough curse doesn’t strike India.