Watch: Digvesh Rathi’s boundary catch triggers huge controversy during KKR vs LSG IPL 2026 clash

Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season witnessed another umpiring controversy during the clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 9. KKR opener Finn Allen was the victim of a contentious ruling by third umpire KN Anantha Padmanabhan, who declared the batter caught out. The decision sparked immediate debate, as television replays appeared to show fielder Digvesh Rathi making contact with the boundary rope while completing the catch.

Controversy erupts after Digvesh Rathi’s boundary catch

The drama unfolded early in the match, during the second over delivered by Prince Yadav. Allen attempted a shot but only managed a thick top edge that sent the ball spiraling toward the third-man boundary. Digvesh Rathi, positioned in the deep, initially misread the trajectory of the ball and began moving forward, momentarily losing track of its true flight path.

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Upon realizing the ball was traveling further than anticipated, Digvesh was forced to adjust his positioning rapidly. He began backpedaling toward the boundary rope in a desperate effort to secure the catch. While he managed to grab the ball, the subsequent review focused on whether his momentum had carried him onto the foam padding at the edge of the field, leading many to believe the decision was an officiating howler.

While Rathi successfully secured the ball, the live action suggested he had made contact with the boundary rope during the process. Despite the high stakes and the visible proximity of the fielder's feet to the cushions, the third umpire conducted a surprisingly brief review. Rather than meticulously checking the point of contact, the official quickly confirmed the dismissal, bringing a premature and controversial end to Finn Allen's innings.

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The decision was soon exposed as a big officiating error upon further scrutiny. Television replays and slow-motion angles clearly showed that Digvesh’s left foot had indeed pressed against the boundary rope while he was completing the catch.