Photo credits: Jio Cinema
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s star player Virat Kohli was embroiled in a controversy after he got involved in an altercation with the officials over a call during the side’s Indian Premier League match against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens on Sunday.
KKR’s pacer Harshit Rana bowled a full toss to Kohli in the third over of the innings, which looked like a no-ball over the waist.
However, Kohli mistimed it and was caught and bowled, resulting in his dismissal.
Later, the on-field umpire decided to refer the decision to the third umpire, Michael Gough, who ruled that the ball had been dunked on the batsman and therefore Kohli’s dismissal was deemed legal.
Kohli, who made 18 off seven deliveries, was unhappy with the decision and got into an argument with the umpire before leaving. The 35-year-old cricketer was seen hitting his bat on the boundary rope while making his way towards the RCB dugout.
Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle while discussing the wicket opined, “RCB have been robbed here.”
According to Law 41.7.1 of the ICC Terms of Play: “Any ball which passes or is said to have passed, without being delivered, above the waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease shall be deemed unfair, whether or not it is likely that the attacker sustains bodily harm. If the bowler bowls such a bowl, the umpire shall immediately call and signal No ball.”
It was striking that Kohli stood outside the crease and therefore the ball came above his waist. However, the trajectory of the ball showed that he was descending, and had he been inside the crease the ball would have ended up well below his waist.
KKR have set a daunting target of 223 runs for RCB to chase, who are currently at the very bottom of the table.
After Kohli’s dismissal, his former RCB teammate AB de Villiers went to X to express his views.
“Gray areas in the game give room for anger and confusion. It is not a difficult solution. Find the batsman’s stance, draw the lines and use ball tracking. No confusion at all,” said the former South African skipper.
First print: April 21, 2024 | 7:21 PM IST