Cricket has seen numerous umpiring errors over the years that have significantly impacted the game’s history. Even with the advent of technology, these mistakes haven’t been completely eradicated. The IPL Eliminator showcased this ongoing issue, as a quick decision by the third umpire left the Rajasthan Royals camp fuming.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) started their innings well, thanks to their strong top-order. However, a series of rapid wickets during the middle overs hindered their efforts to post a substantial total in the Eliminator match on Wednesday. The team found themselves struggling at 122/5 in the 15th over when Dinesh Karthik stepped up to play the role of saviour.
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Unfortunately, his efforts were cut short as he was immediately trapped leg before wicket by Avesh Khan. A desperate review by Karthik led to a controversial umpiring decision, which unexpectedly granted him a lifeline in what might be his final innings as a professional cricketer.
Avesh Khan delivered a full, angled ball from over the wicket that bypassed Karthik’s inside edge and struck his front pad directly in front of the stumps. The fielding side erupted in celebration as the on-field umpire quickly raised his finger to signal out. With RCB’s hopes hanging by a thread, Karthik opted to review the decision, hoping for a miracle.
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Third umpire Anil Chaudhary responded by overturning the on-field call based on Ultra Edge technology, despite the footage clearly showing that the bat was behind the pad when the ball hit the pad and a spike appeared simultaneously.
Rajasthan Royals’ team director, Kumar Sangakkara, was visibly frustrated by the decision. Cameras caught him expressing his annoyance, insisting that the bat had hit the pad first before he marched towards the fourth umpire to argue his case. Social media users echoed Sangakkara’s sentiments, criticizing the third umpire for reversing what appeared to be a marginal call without definitive evidence.
— AK DS (@AKDS580838) May 22, 2024
This incident has sparked renewed discussions about the reliability of technology in cricket and the need for further improvements to minimize such controversial decisions. The Rajasthan Royals’ disappointment was palpable, highlighting the emotional and practical consequences of umpiring errors in crucial matches.
I think it’s high time now to introduce 4th umpire for DRS.
டேய் 3rd umpire டப்ஸா கண்ணா, DK out டா…🤷♂️🙆♂️🤦♂️🤦♂️😡😡😡#RRVsRCB
— Truth Alone 🇮🇳 (@TruthAlone2) May 22, 2024
RCB is cheating with DRS
— Divyanshu Yadav (@D1vyanshu03) May 22, 2024
That was clear out. Even Dinesh Karthik knew it. Another umpiring blunder in this IPL. pic.twitter.com/S16lWFUxAG
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 22, 2024
I think the spike was for the bat hitting the pad. You can see it in the real time replay, too that the bat hits the pad. The batsman did not opt for the DRS right away either. That is a terrible decision by the third umpire, Anil Chaudhury, and it was made in such haste too. pic.twitter.com/eqMyEyn2Ll
— Zucker Doctor (@DoctorLFC) May 22, 2024
RCB is so bad that they managed to make two Aussies choke in a knock out!
But at least they have the umpires in their pockets pic.twitter.com/aN537E62tf
— Vineet Jain (@vineetjain1101) May 22, 2024
Its not RCB’s fault. Its the umpires fault
— Darshann (@WayneJain) May 22, 2024
What would the ‘toxic’ RCB fans say if it was CSK? 🤡🤡 so now you guys bought the umpires? #ipl2024 pic.twitter.com/5LDcR6BEAm
— Siddharth B Vasan (@s7ddhu) May 22, 2024
This ipl more than on field umpires, 3rd umpires have been pathetic
— Prahladh (@CaPrahladh) May 22, 2024
