The Indian Premier League (IPL) clash between Delhi Capitals (DC) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) ended on a dramatic note on Friday (April 22). Although, RR won the match by 15 runs but a no-ball controversy remained the hot-topic of every debate. In the high-scoring thriller a huge controversy erupted when the umpire refused to check a no-ball in the final over of the match. RR skipper Sanju Samson also gave his opinion on the same after the high-voltage clash.
'It was a full-toss and the batsman wanted a no-ball, but the umpire didn't give it. We wanted to be around him (McCoy) and wanted to put a smile on his face. Not easy for a bowler after conceding three sixes. We wanted to change the plan so we took our time, to give the bowler a breather. The last game was a tough one, and this game too, with Powell hitting those sixes. It's important to stay calm and trust your team-mates. You need to back yourself," Samson said post the match.
Needing 36 runs from the final over, DC batter Rovman Powell hit three successive sixes from the first three deliveries off Obed McCoy. DC needed another 18 more from the final three deliveries.
At this juncture, Kuldeep Yadav, who was at the non-striker's end, gestured to the umpires demanding that the last delivery be checked for a possible no-ball on height. Powell joined in having a chat with the umpires too. The umpires stood their ground, saying the delivery was legal.
Pant then gestured Powell and Kuldeep to come out though assistant coach Shane Watson tried to reason him out. Another DC coaching staff member Pravin Amre went into the playing arena but was told to go back by the umpires. The match though resumed after a long delay and DC lost by 15 runs.
On being asked about the toss Sanju said, “Can't say anything about the toss. Losing toss is working, so we'll like to stick to that. Don't think there was much dew, but the bowlers are experienced enough to bowl in these conditions. Ashwin and Chahal have been bowling well, touch wood we continue to do it. It is normal to drop catches, even I dropped one in the last match. I told the players how to recover from that in the team meeting. He (Buttler) has been playing well, and that's a crucial part in this format. DDP (Padikkal) is a smart cricketer and there's a lot more to come from him.”
