Judges vs advocates: Bouncers & banter as lawyers defeat CJI's XI in spirited cricket match

New Delhi: The Arun Jaitley stadium in New Delhi Wednesday turned into a venue for a unique cricket match between judges and lawyers.

Led by Chief Justice India (CJI) Surya Kant, a team of Supreme Court and Delhi High Court judges (including Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya) played a 22-over game with the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) team captained by its president, senior advocate Vikas Singh.

The judges won the toss and chose to bat first. Though CJI Kant was scheduled to leave midway, the spirit of the game compelled him to defer his other engagements, and he chose to complete the game. The CJI’s team was out after scoring 137 runs.

Supreme Court judges were present in full strength to support their brothers on the field. Their excitement was not to be missed; each boundary was a thunderclap moment. Expectantly, every wicket that fell left the judges gloomy.

The SCBA team easily chased its target, finishing the match well within the stipulated overs.

What stood out during the entire match was the light-hearted commentary by SCBA office bearer, Meneesh Dubey, who alternated his comedic jabs between the team on and off the field. Dubey’s remark that the advocates were probably scared of getting their matters dismissed by judges who were on the bench resulted in thunderous laughter.