Umpiring Controversy in IPL 2024 Eliminator
The IPL2024 witnessed yet another umpiring controversy during the Eliminator match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The incident involved Dinesh Karthik’s contentious LBW decision, which sparked debates and frustration among players and fans alike.
The Incident
After RR managed to reduce RCB to five wickets down, Dinesh Karthik took the crease with the responsibility of guiding his team to a competitive total. However, in the 15th over, on the very first ball he faced from Avesh Khan, Karthik was adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire. The delivery was full and straight, bending late to hit Karthik’s pads.
Karthik immediately opted for the Decision Review System (DRS). The UltraEdge technology indicated a significant spike, but it was unclear whether it was due to the bat hitting the pad or the ball. The ball was perilously close to the bat, leading to ambiguity. Despite this, the third umpire overturned the on-field decision, declaring Karthik not out. This decision left the RR players, especially Avesh Khan and Riyan Parag, visibly stunned. Kumar Sangakkara, RR’s Director of Cricket, was seen angrily discussing the call with the umpires in IPL2024.
Expert Opinions
The decision drew sharp criticism from cricket experts. Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating during the match, clearly stated, “The bat hit the pads and not the ball. If you’ve edged, you go straight up. You don’t walk to the other end to confirm.” Kevin Pietersen also questioned the decision, saying, “I don’t think the umpire got it right.”
Match Details
Toss and Team Changes
Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson won the toss and elected to bowl first at the Narendra Modi Stadium. This decision was influenced by the conditions and the dew factor expected later in the game. Samson announced that Shimron Hetmyer had recovered from injury and was included in the playing eleven, adding strength to RR’s batting lineup.
“Would like to bowl first looking at the conditions and the wicket. There was dew last night. It’s all about the mindset. Really excited to come and play in this fabulous stadium,” said Samson. He emphasized the importance of character and confidence, especially after facing challenges with fitness and injuries.
On the other hand, RCB skipper Faf du Plessis mentioned that he would have preferred to bowl first as well, had the toss gone his way. He confirmed that RCB’s lineup remained unchanged from their 27-run victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings.
“Watching the game last night, there was assistance for the seam bowlers early on. This looks on the drier side with some fake grass on top. We’ve had that mindset right through. Focusing on your own skills, being true to the way you want to play,” du Plessis remarked.
RCB’s Innings
RCB posted a total of 172/8 in their 20 overs. Rajat Patidar top-scored with 34 off 22 balls, while Virat Kohli contributed 33 off 24 balls. Mahipal Lomror’s brisk 32 off 17 balls provided a late boost to the innings.
Rajasthan’s bowlers performed admirably, with Ravichandran Ashwin leading the way. Ashwin finished with impressive figures of 2/19, claiming the crucial wickets of Cameron Green and Glenn Maxwell in consecutive deliveries. Avesh Khan, despite the controversial LBW decision, took 3/44.
The Chase
Chasing 173, RR seemed in control at one point, thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s solid 45. However, a series of wickets in the middle overs saw them struggle. Sanju Samson’s stumping in the 11th over, after scoring 17 off 13 balls, was a turning point. Samson, trying to chase a wide delivery from Karn Sharma, was lured out of his crease and smartly stumped.
The IPL2024 Eliminator between RR and RCB will be remembered for the thrilling cricket and the contentious umpiring decision involving Dinesh Karthik. The controversy highlighted the challenges and complexities of modern cricket’s decision-review systems. As the tournament progresses, teams will look to overcome such hurdles and focus on their performance on the field.
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