Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) were struggling in the run chase against Mumbai Indians (MI) with 23 runs needed from 17 balls. Ayush Badoni arrived at the crease and two boundaries made the equation easier for the home team. In the penultimate over, Badoni hit the ball in the deep and Naman Dhir's throw was on point. Ishan Kishan missed a chance to pull off a run out but he did not the second attempt. It looked like Badoni was well inside the crease but the third umpire thought otherwise and adjudged him out.
Badoni put in a full-stretch dive to save his wicket. Had Kishan taken the bails off immediately, Badoni would have been out but he did it much latter. Badoni looked safe but the third umpire KN Anantha Padmanabhan had a few looks and felt that LSG batter’s bat was in the air after bouncing and he did not make his ground.
When Badoni was given out, everyone was stunned. Even MI players were laughing including former skipper Rohit Sharma whereas Kishan looked relieved. LSG dugout was furious including head coach Justin Langer.
Commentators left stunned
As per the rules, the batter cannot be given out if his bat bounces on impact once it is inside the crease. But the third umpire felt that it bounced before Badoni made his ground.
Commentator Irfan Pathan was not happy with the decision as he said, “It seems umpire is not aware about the rules. Once the bat is inside the crease and even if it is lifted due to the impact, the batter can’t be declared out. Umpire was wrong.”
Pathan's commentating partner Varun Aaron questioned the decision too as he said, “Umpire was wrong. Ayush Badoni was not out.”
No loss for LSG
However, the decision did not have a negative impact on the game for LSG. Nicholas Pooran finished the run chase with four balls to spare. This was LSG’s seventh win from 10 games. They are placed third on the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 points table.
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