Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Virat Kohli faced a fine of 50 per cent match fees for his outburst on the field after he was given out off a high full-toss. Kohli argued that the point of impact was above his waist. While Kohli’s claim is true, the third umpire deemed it as a legal delivery as he was outside the crease. The ball-tracking technology showed that it would have been below waist had he been inside the crease. A day after the controversial dismissal, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif called it ‘poor umpiring’ and gave MS Dhoni’s example. Kohli went on to like Kaif’s post on Instagram. The screenshots of Kaif’s post have gone vira on social media.
“Clear unplayable beamer gets Kohli out and a ball that passed under Dhoni's bat declared wide. Cameras, replays, technology but still such mistakes being made. Poor umpiring,” Kaif posted on Instagram.
Earlier, Kaif posted a video on Instagram criticising the decision.
“Virat's decision yesterday was disappointing. Umpiring in general has been a let down in IPL 2024,” the 43-year-old wrote in the caption.
Sidhu questions spirit of cricket
Former Indian opener Navjot Singh Sindhu was furious in the commentary box as well and critcised Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) along with the umpiring standards.
"You want to get Virat Kohli out throwing a beamer and want me to welcome it, not at all. 'Chaati thok ke kehta hun' he was not out and this is not good for the spirit of the game. If a law is bad, it has to be changed with time," Sidhu said on Star Sports.
Topley backs Kohli
He got support from RCB teammate Reece Topley who said that Kohli was clearly out of the crease.
"Obviously, those measurements are brought in to get rid of a grey area, and then you have something today that no one had thought of. He (Kohli) was obviously out of his crease and the ball was over his hip high, then obviously he was out of his crease down the wicket," said Topley in the post-match press conference.
"The measurement was taken with Virat inside the crease so it's a bit of a grey area. Obviously, it's fine margin and would be spoken about in a game where the victory margin is just one run," Topley further added in the press conference," he added.
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