It has been over 10 years since Sarandeep Singh made his first-class debut. Apart from having played three Tests and five ODIs for India, he has also represented three states in domestic cricket during his decade-long career. But when umpire Sanjeev Rao no-balled Sarandeep during Mumbai’s chase at the BKC stadium on Wednesday, the 30-year-old off-spinner experienced a new yet unfortunate event.

On a day where Himachal gained the all-important first innings lead and Mumbai staged a comeback, Sarandeep was the major talking point.

By stumps on Day Two, the defending Ranji champions had brought the match back on an even keel, finishing at 76 without loss, eight runs short of the deficit, with openers Ajinkya Rahane and Sahil Kukreja well set at the crease.

Sarandeep, who is part of the BCCI's list for bowlers with suspect actions, did bowl five legal deliveries after being called for chucking, but spent the rest of the evening muttering under his breath at the fine-leg boundary. While both skippers empathised with the Himachal spinner’s predicament, coach Rajdeep Kalsi insisted that his team had lost their trumpcard. “He is shattered and has been repeatedly checking out the videos of his bowling. We were informed about him having a suspect action, but he has never been called in his career before,” he said.

“The issue should be nipped in the bud and young bowlers with suspect actions should be brought to task early. It doesn’t make sense calling guys like Sarandeep and Kulamani Parida, who have been around for 10-15 years,” said Mumbai skipper Wasim Jaffer.

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