The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a heartbreaking one-run defeat to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on Sunday, but the match was marred by two controversial umpiring decisions that have sparked outrage among fans and experts alike.
The first incident occurred in the 13th over when Virat Kohli was given out caught behind off the bowling of Umesh Yadav. Replays showed that the ball appeared to be above waist height, but the on-field umpires upheld the decision. The broadcaster’s Hawk-Eye technology also confirmed that the ball was indeed above waist height, but the third umpire was not consulted.
The second controversy arose in the 17th over when Suyash Prabhudesai smashed a shot towards the fine-leg boundary. The umpires initially signaled four runs, but fans and commentators alike felt that the ball had crossed the boundary rope. A zoomed-in video of the incident later emerged, seemingly confirming that the ball had indeed gone for a six.
However, the on-field umpires did not consult the third umpire and the decision stood as a four. This decision proved costly for RCB, as they eventually lost the match by a narrow margin of one run.
Fans and experts have taken to social media to express their outrage over the umpiring decisions. Many have questioned why the third umpire was not consulted in both instances, especially given the close nature of the calls.
The match officials and the IPL management have yet to comment on the matter, but the controversy is likely to continue for some time. The incidents have raised questions about the accuracy and consistency of umpiring in the IPL, and have highlighted the need for a more robust review system.
