Abishek Porel’s inexperience behind the stumps might have left Mitchell Starc more than a little frustrated—perhaps even sparking quiet disbelief from skipper Axar Patel. The costly lapse came early in Chennai Super Kings’ innings against Delhi Capitals at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, where an avoidable error allowed Vijay Shankar a crucial lifeline.
It was the fifth ball of the third over, and Mitchell Starc was breathing fire. He sent down a searing inswinger that tailed in late and crashed low into Vijay Shankar’s boot. There was a clear deflection—audible even to those at deep square leg. Starc was convinced he had his man. So was Jake Fraser-McGurk. But confusion reigned. Was it bat or boot? While the bowler passionately appealed, young wicketkeeper Abishek Porel shook his head and insisted the ball had come off the bat.
Axar Patel, perhaps trusting his keeper a little too much, chose not to opt for the DRS. Moments later, the big screen replay revealed the full story—UltraEdge showed the ball brushing the bat after hitting the boot. Shankar was absolutely plumb, and Delhi had squandered a golden opportunity.
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The cameras panned to the DC camp, where Starc wore a rueful smile. In the CSK dugout, even MS Dhoni couldn’t help but gesture “out” with a cheeky grin. A DRS review would’ve had Shankar walking back and CSK reeling at three down.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) April 5, 2025
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) April 5, 2025
As if that wasn’t enough, Shankar was handed another life in the 13th over. Attempting to take on Kuldeep Yadav, he mistimed a lofted shot straight to long-on. Tristan Stubbs charged in, got both hands to the ball, but couldn’t hold on. Another sitter dropped, another chance wasted.
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CSK, however, continue to struggle. At 74 for 5 inside 11 overs, they are in a precarious position. But with MS Dhoni now joining Vijay Shankar in the middle, there’s still a glimmer of hope. The equation stands at 98 needed from 42 balls—a steep ask with half the side already dismissed. Axar’s missed DRS call may just come back to haunt Delhi if Shankar and Dhoni manage to pull off something magical.
