Ravichandran Ashwin has taken a strong stance against Australian umpire Paul Reiffel’s officiating during the ongoing Lord’s Test between India and England, accusing the veteran official of showing consistent bias against India. Speaking on his YouTube channel Ash Ki Baat, the senior Indian spinner expressed concern over Reiffel’s handling of marginal decisions, particularly those that have gone against India throughout the match.
Ashwin didn’t mince words as he pointed out a pattern he believes has developed over the years. “Whenever India is bowling, Reiffel doesn’t think it’s out. When we’re batting, he’s always convinced we are,” Ashwin said. He further called upon the International Cricket Council (ICC) to investigate whether this perceived inconsistency affects other teams as well.
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One moment that sparked outrage among fans and former players alike was Shubman Gill’s controversial dismissal on Day 1 — given out caught behind by Reiffel, only to be reversed by DRS, which clearly showed a significant gap between bat and ball. “The gap was big enough to park my sedan in it,” Ashwin quipped, highlighting the absurdity of the decision. He also shared a personal anecdote, stating, “Even my father told me, ‘When Paul Reiffel officiates, India usually doesn’t win.’”
Ashwin on Umpire. 👍🫡 pic.twitter.com/0ApmM1YyZg
— DAHIYA SAYS….. (@jaatdevta1438) July 14, 2025
Ashwin’s frustration mirrors the sentiment circulating across social media, where several fans and analysts have called out Reiffel for perceived inconsistencies. Even Anil Kumble, commentating during the match, mentioned on-air that Reiffel appeared to have made up his mind not to rule in favour of Indian bowlers on tight calls.
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While the Decision Review System (DRS) has helped eliminate many umpiring errors, Ashwin’s remarks highlight how the system still heavily relies on the original on-field call, especially in LBW cases under the “umpire’s call” provision.
Reiffel, a former Australian cricketer who began umpiring in 2008, has stood in over 100 Tests, but Ashwin’s remarks might renew scrutiny over how neutral some officials truly are in high-stakes encounters.
