DRS Confusion Irks Rohit Sharma in Sri Lanka vs India ODI
During the first ODI between Sri Lanka and India in Colombo, a controversial DRS (decision review system) incident involving a wide call left Indian captain Rohit Sharma visibly frustrated.
In the 14th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, Shivam Dube bowled a delivery down the leg side to Pathum Nissanka. The ball missed Nissanka’s bat and flicked his thigh pad on its way to wicketkeeper KL Rahul. The Indian players appealed for a catch, but the umpire ruled it not out.
To everyone’s surprise, the umpire then signaled a wide. Captain Rohit had a brief conversation with Rahul before deciding not to review the decision. However, as Rohit was returning to the field, he overheard a player saying that he had heard a sound.
“You should know whether the bat is far from the pad or not. If the bat is away, then he is saying there is a noise for sure,” Rohit said, expressing his annoyance.
Rahul responded by saying, “In IPL, the reviews can be taken for wides, that’s why he is saying.”
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), teams are allowed to review wide decisions. This rule does not apply in international cricket, which may have contributed to the confusion.
The incident highlighted the complexities of the DRS system and the challenges umpires face in making split-second decisions. It also raised questions about the consistency of the DRS process across different formats of the game.
Despite the DRS controversy, the match itself was a thrilling tie. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 230 for 8, thanks to half-centuries from Dunith Wellalage and Pathum Nissanka. India’s chase was led by Rohit Sharma’s 58, but they ultimately fell short of the target.
