Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) opener Virat Kohli has been fined 50 per cent of his match fees for showing dissent after losing his wicket to a high full-toss to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Harshit Rana. Kohli argued with the on-field umpires after the DRS did not go his way. He smashed his bat, threw his gloves and hit a dustbin after walking off the ground. Later, he had a heated conversation with the umpires after RCB's one-run loss to KKR.
Kohli has been fined for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct. The 35-year-old committed a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of Indian Premier League's (IPL) Code of Conduct. He admitted to the offence and accepted the match referee's decision.
Topley defends Kohli
After the match, Kohli's teammate Reece Topley defended his outburst as he felt that the batter was hard done by.
"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," the English pacer said in the post-match press conference.
Topley pointed out that Kohli was out of his crease. He said that players in RCB dressing room were disappointed.
"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.
"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.
"We are going to be disappointed. There is going to be two different mood, different feelings about that dismissal. It's just a grey area," added the left-arm fast bowler.
The 30-year-old was asked whether RCB have accepted to the dismissal. He said that there is a need for more clarification.
"I can throw this back to you saying what was your opinion. It's tough...two people can have two different opinions. In our camp, we feel like its a grey area, like uncharted territory, so probably you need more clarifications in the rules."
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