London – Former India cricketer and commentator Dinesh Karthik has debunked social media claims that Jitesh Sharma was denied entry at Lord’s Cricket Ground during the recently concluded third Test between India and England. A video showing Jitesh being stopped by security had gone viral, with many alleging that Karthik had to intervene to allow the wicketkeeper-batter inside.
Real Thala Jitesh pic.twitter.com/24PLDNOU6A
— 亗 (@jadejamayur_2) July 16, 2025
However, Karthik has set the record straight.
“These are some issues with social media that a lot face. I invited Jitesh to the comm box. He had come, and I came and met him down and took him to the comm box, and he met everyone there. Btw this is below the media center, not the entrance to the ground,” Karthik clarified on social media.
The clip had suggested that Jitesh, who visited the iconic venue to support the Indian team, was turned away by security and only gained access after contacting Karthik. But according to Karthik, the entire sequence was misrepresented, and there was no issue with entry to the ground itself.
Context:
India lost the thrilling third Test at Lord’s by 22 runs, giving England a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. England had won the first Test in Leeds, while India had bounced back with a record 336-run win in Birmingham.
WTC Points Update:
In related news, England have been penalised by the ICC for maintaining a slow over rate during the third Test:
- Deduction: 2 World Test Championship (WTC) points
- Fine: 10% of match fees
- England’s updated tally: 22 points out of 36, PCT drops from 66.67% to 61.11%
- Result: England fall to 3rd in WTC standings, replaced by Sri Lanka in 2nd
- Top of the table: Australia (100% PCT)
- India’s current PCT: 33.33%
“In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined five per cent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time,” the ICC said in a statement.
“Consequently, two World Test Championship points have been deducted from England’s points total,” the statement added.
The series now moves to Manchester for the fourth Test, where India will look to level the score.