New Delhi: Indian batter KL Rahul’s dismissal during the opening day of the first Test match fueled criticism on umpiring standards. The Indian opener was technically sound with his defensive approach against the likes of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.
Although wickets kept tumbling at the other end, Rahul was firm at his end, playing some remarkable drives to keep the runs ticking. The fight, though, came to an end after Rahul was ruled out with a contentious call.
During the 23rd over of the Indian innings bowled by Starc, Rahul was beaten by a good length delivery pitched across the off-stump. The Indian opener went to defend and the Australians appealed loudly for a caught-behind as the ball went through to the keeper.
The video clearly shows that KL RAHUL was NOT OUT.pic.twitter.com/5pa99sZVFW https://t.co/RvSRNtEJsD
— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) November 22, 2024
KL Rahul walks back in shock
The on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, but the Australians decided to challenge the decision via DRS. There was a sound and a spike was shown on the Snicko during the referral. It apparently looked the sound came from the contact of bat and pad, but based on the spike, the third umpire Richard Illingworth ruled the decision in Australia’s favour.
As a results, Rahul had to walk back to the pavilion, though he was left in shock on his way back to the dressing room. He shook his head plenty of times, not being able to fathom what just folded up. The commentator on-air said that he wouldn’t given out to the Indian opener over the appeal.
Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, during the mid-innings show for the official broadcasters Star Sports, said that third umpire didn’t use the front-on angle and it was poor use of the technology lacking conclusive evidence.
Here are some of the reactions from the Indian fans on social media platform X over Rahul’s controversial decision.
I am not convinced that there was enough evidence to rule KL Rahul out.
— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) November 22, 2024
What a controversial moment! The on-field umpire gave KL Rahul not out, and the replays didn’t show clear evidence to overturn it. Still, the third umpire declared him out. Rahul looked frustrated as he left the field after scoring 26 runs. A determined innings ends in a…
— Ganesh Karanth (@kgkaranth) November 22, 2024
KL RAHUL was NOT OUT.
The sound was of the pad not the bat.
Poor Umpring! pic.twitter.com/Y4AAFe3rAl
— Abhishek (@vicharabhio) November 22, 2024
There was clear no connection. KL Rahul was not out. pic.twitter.com/KSxwj56VIU
— Selfless⁴⁵ (@SelflessCricket) November 22, 2024
Ball hit nothing
Bat hit the pad
That created the sound
What a shitty piece of umpiring from the 3rd umpire to give KL Rahul out.
Scanner on the broadcasters as well on not providing the proper offside and front on angles
Terrible terrible decison.#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/Jhztn0zueQ
— Vinay Kumar Dokania (@VinayDokania) November 22, 2024
Mark Nicholas said, “I don’t see any conclusive evidence to overturn the on-field decision”. pic.twitter.com/5dt3gPNHh7
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 22, 2024
We can clearly see that the spike is due to bat hitting the pad. In the right side view, clearly there is a gap between bat and ball.
Even the umpire was hesitant to agree with third umpires decision. Even the commentators couldn’t believe it.
KL Rahul, you were NOT OUT https://t.co/uFncrd29Wo
— Aman (@CricketSatire) November 22, 2024
#BGT #INDvsAUS KL Rahul was not out. The 3rd umpire gave unfair decision without watching the front camera view. The broadcaster didn’t show front camera angle even after asked by the umpire. Clear setting between @CricketAus and @FoxCricket.
— Joydeep Roy (@joydeep316) November 22, 2024
Australians are back in their orginal way to win the game with CHEATING 🤔
KL Rahul was not out but their broadcaster showed only 2 angles and 3 umpire give his decision, ridiculous 😡
Bad luck for KL Rahul. GG should ask match referee.#KLRahul𓃵#INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #AUSvsIND pic.twitter.com/1nHzGjmNhG
— Munesh Yadav🇮🇳 (@95MuneshYadav) November 22, 2024
KL Rahul’s dismissal in the India vs Australia Test match Day 1 has ignited heated debates over umpiring. Fans and experts question whether the third umpire’s decision was accurate. Find out more. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
