In a high-voltage clash between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the Ekana Stadium in IPL 2025, drama unfolded midway through the first innings with a moment that left fans and experts baffled. While the match began with CSK skipper MS Dhoni opting to bowl first, banking on dew to aid the chase, it was a controversial umpiring call that stole the spotlight in the 13th over.
LSG batter Ayush Badoni found himself at the center of a bizarre episode when he was given not out despite being seemingly caught cleanly at fine leg. On the fifth delivery of the over bowled by Matheesha Pathirana, Badoni attempted an upper cut to a short ball. The shot flew straight into the hands of Vijay Shankar stationed at the boundary.
CSK fielders began their celebration, assuming the batter was on his way back. But the on-field umpires intervened and asked Badoni to wait. What followed was a curious review of the delivery itself. The confusion stemmed from Pathirana’s over already including two bouncers. The umpires needed to determine whether this one exceeded the permissible limit of short-pitched balls per over.
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Upon close analysis and ball tracking, it was deemed the third bouncer, thus classified as a no-ball. To make matters even tighter, the delivery was ruled illegal by the thinnest of margins — just 0.1 meters. Badoni’s shoulder was measured at 1.43 meters above ground, while the ball bounced through at 1.44 meters. That razor-thin difference gave the batter a lifeline.
THIRD TIME C̶H̶A̶R̶M̶ UNLUCKY! 😵💫
Ayush Badoni couldn’t capitalize on two lifelines. Such a dramatic passage of play! 🥵
Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/s4GGBvRcda#IPLonJioStar 👉 #LSGvCSK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/V4HBrLHY3Q
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 14, 2025
Excellent use of technology Ayush badoni saved beacuse the Ball was just 0.1m above the shoulder
Great Work!!!
#LSGvCSK pic.twitter.com/yi4P1DthlJ
— The_Insider (@Saquibpashaa77) April 14, 2025
It was a significant moment, especially given the tight nature of the contest. At the 17-over mark, LSG had reached 121/4, still searching for late acceleration. With both sides aware of how crucial small moments can be in T20 cricket, the Badoni incident could well prove pivotal as the game unfolds.
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Such razor-edge decisions remind us just how dependent modern cricket has become on technology, precision, and umpiring awareness — and how every millimeter can alter the course of a match.
