The 36th match of the 2024 IPL between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens was a nail-biter, ultimately decided by a single run. However, the result has been overshadowed by a contentious umpiring decision involving Virat Kohli’s dismissal, sparking debate and criticism across the cricketing world.
Kohli, RCB’s batting mainstay, had started his innings promisingly, scoring 18 runs off just seven deliveries in the chase of a mammoth 222-run target set by KKR. However, his knock was cut short in the first ball of the third over when Harshit Rana’s delivery resulted in a caught-and-bowled dismissal.
The controversy arose around the nature of the delivery. While it appeared to be a full toss, the on-field umpires adjudged Kohli out. RCB opted for a Decision Review System (DRS) referral, hoping to overturn the decision. The replays revealed a crucial detail – Kohli had moved slightly out of his crease while attempting the shot. This movement became the crux of the third umpire’s final verdict.
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Using ball-tracking technology, the DRS concluded that while the ball was indeed a full toss at the point of delivery, its trajectory indicated that it would have dipped below waist height if Virat Kohli had remained within the crease. This interpretation of the no-ball rule, where the ball’s trajectory, not its initial height, determines the call, resulted in Kohli’s dismissal being upheld.
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This decision left Kohli visibly frustrated. He engaged in a heated exchange with the umpires, expressing his disagreement with their interpretation. Many fans and cricketing experts have echoed Kohli’s sentiments, arguing that a full toss exceeding waist height should be a no-ball regardless of its trajectory. They point out the inherent difficulty for the batsman to adjust to a dipping delivery on a full toss, creating an unfair advantage for the bowler.
The controversy surrounding Kohli’s dismissal wasn’t the only talking point of the match. In the final over, another close call involving a potential edge from KKR batsman Karn Sharma off Mitchell Starc’s bowling sent the crowd into a frenzy. The DRS confirmed a faint edge, but a subsequent review of Phil Salt’s catch from the front-on angle proved inconclusive. With the lack of clear evidence from other camera angles, the umpire ruled Sharma not out, a decision that left Salt visibly upset.
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Despite these controversies, KKR emerged victorious after a nail-biting finish. MitchellStarc dismissed Sharma in the penultimate ball, effectively extinguishing RCB’s hopes of a comeback. This defeat marked RCB’s sixth consecutive loss and their seventh overall in the season, making their playoff chances appear bleak.
The match at the Eden Gardens served as a reminder of the fine line between victory and defeat in the IPL. However, the controversial umpiring decisions have cast a shadow on the outcome, raising questions about the interpretation of the no-ball rule and the limitations of DRS technology in providing conclusive evidence. As the debate continues, one thing is certain – the 2024 IPL continues to be a thrilling and unpredictable tournament.
