'No, please, no, oh no!': Ian Smith's New Zealand bias leaks through as Abhishek Sharma survives Jacob Duffy's no-ball originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- New Zealand Commentator Ian Smith's reaction to Abhishek Sharma surviving a Jacob Duffy no-ball was a sneaky highlight from the second T20I at Christchurch.
- Abhishek appeared to be caught at deep square leg but Duffy had overstepped, allowing the Indian batter to survive and face a free-hit ball.
- Some fans on X interpreted the live segment as an overt display of Smith's New Zealand loyalties while serving as a commentator.
Ian Smith couldn't hide his New Zealand loyalty on commentary
Former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Ian Smith struggled to hide his disappointment when Abhishek Sharma survived an apparent dismissal off Jacob Duffy's bowling during the first T20I between India and New Zealand in Christchurch.
Abhishek had advanced down the pitch to attack Duffy but failed to make the desired connection with a delivery directed towards his body. The ball went high into the air and the catch was taken at deep square leg, seemingly bringing the Indian opener's innings to an early end.
Jacob Duffy celebrates a little too soon. 🫣 The overstep means Abhishek Sharma lives to fight another day! Watch the HERO VIDA India Tour of New Zealand, 2nd T20I LIVE NOW on Sony Sports Network TV channels, Sony LIV & Sony Vizha. #SonySportsNetwork #SonyLIV #SonyVizha #NZvIND
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) October 24, 2026
However, Duffy had overstepped and the umpire called a no-ball. Abhishek survived, leaving Smith dismayed in the commentary box.
"No, no, no, please no! Please no, oh no," Smith said as the umpire extended his arm to the side to signal a no-ball.
"Does that not take the wind out of everybody's sails that isn't supporting India. I don't even smile about that and I'm sitting up here," Smith added.
Abhishek Sharma survives a no-ball and smashes back-to-back boundaries
Matt Henry had bowled a maiden in the first over, with Sanju Samson facing six balls for no runs. The pressure was on India and Duffy managed to keep the openers quiet for four balls, conceding only two singles.
On the fifth ball, Abhishek was caught by Nathan Smith for a not-out (it was a no-ball).
Smith continued to express his frustration at the turn of events, describing the reprieve as an additional blow for New Zealand.
"So we've got a free hit. It'll add to the injury and the insult," he said.
On the free-hit ball, Abhishek smashed a boundary as Smith added: "Didn't get that one either, but that's a bonus. An absolute bonus."
Then, the Indian southpaw did it again as India finished the over with consecutive boundaries.
Fans react to Ian Smith's commentary during India vs New Zealand
For many Indian fans, Smith's reaction sounded more like that of a New Zealand supporter watching the game than a commentator in the box.
One compared Smith's reaction to that of a fan whose team had just been denied a wicket.
"Ian Smith was literally every New Zealand fan when the umpire signalled No Ball," they wrote.
Another fan also poked fun at Smith's reaction, writing, "Ian Smith commentary when things going against NZ is laughable. He almost cries."
A third joked that Smith's reaction appeared more partisan than those of Indian commentators.
"Everyone hypes this Ian Smith dude on commentary but he's soooo biased. Even indian commentators aren't this biased lol," they wrote.
Everyone hypes this Ian Smith dude on commentary but he's soooo biased. Even indian commentators aren't this biased lol.
— #WINSTEWARTOUT #EGHBALIOUT (@CFCVidh) October 24, 2026
"Farzi Cricketer" also noticed Smith's repeated pleas after the umpire called the no-ball.
"Ian Smith was pleading like ‘no no please no’ when the umpire called it a no ball on Abhishek Sharma's dismissal."
Ian Smith was pleading like “no no please no” when the umpire called it a no ball on Abhishek Sharma’s dismissal. 😭😭
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) October 24, 2026
Was it bias, or was Smith simply reflecting the emotions of a neutral cricket fan caught up in a tense moment? Perhaps the former.
But let's make a case for the latter. India had already endured a maiden over, and losing one of their most explosive batters in the second over could have derailed the chase early.
Meanwhile, a New Zealand victory would have levelled the series and kept the contest finely poised with three matches still to come.
That said, commentators are generally expected to maintain a degree of neutrality and Smith's reaction made that difficult to discern. Indian commentators, too, have faced accusations of favouring their own players and teams.
Perhaps complete neutrality is an unrealistic expectation in this modern age of cricket broadcasting.
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