Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) survived a late charge by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), registering a one-run win in their IPL 2024 match at the Eden Gardens. However, KKR’s win was overshadowed by Virat Kohli‘s controversial dismissal. Kohli, who made a seven-ball 18, mistimed a slower full toss and fell caught and bowled off Harshit Rana. However, the former RCB captain was confident that the high full-toss was above his waist as the umpires checked for a no-ball. Third umpire Michael Gough declared it out after technology suggested that Kohli was ahead of the popping crease and the ball had dipped due to the lack of pace on the delivery.
The decision sparked an angry outburst from Kohli, who was furious after exchanging words with the on-field officials.
Former RCB batter AB de Villiers and ex-India all-rounder Irfan Pathan shared their views on Kohli’s controversial dismissal.
De Villiers and Pathan gave contrasting views on the same. The former South Africa captain said that there is lack of clarity and grey areas in rules, which led Kohli’s outburst.
“Grey areas in the game open up room for anger and confusion. It’s not a tough fix this. Get the batter’s stance, draw the lines and use ball tracking. No confusion whatsoever,” de Villiers posted on X.
Grey areas in the game open up room for anger and confusion. It’s not a tough fix this. Get the batter’s stance, draw the lines and use ball tracking. No confusion whatsoever.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) April 21, 2024
Pathan, on the other hand, suggested that Harshit had bowled a legal delivery.
“It was a legal ball,” Pathan wrote in another post on X.
It was a legal ball.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 21, 2024
Veteran commentator Harsha Bhogle also shared his views on the dismissal.
“Thank god for technology. Took away all allegations of bias or favouritism. And just as well that the players were measured before the start of the tournament, something that a lot of us were waiting for. So, it wasn’t about the umpires at all but dispassionate use of technology,” Bhogle suggested in a post.
Thank god for technology. Took away all allegations of bias or favouritism. And just as well that the players were measured before the start of the tournament, something that a lot of us were waiting for. So, it wasn’t about the umpires at all but dispassionate use of technology.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 21, 2024
Coming back to the match, RCB conceded 222/6 after opting to bowl first with KKR opener Phil Salt smashing 48 off 14 balls and skipper Shreyas Iyer hitting 50.
In reply, Will Jacks (55) and Rajat Patidar (52) tried to set up the chase in a 102-run third-wicket stand. However, both were dismissed in quick succession, sparking an RCB collapse.
Needing 21 to win in the final over by Mitchell Starc, tail-ender Karn Sharma hit KKR’s Rs 24.75 crore buy for three sixes before being caught and bowled.
Salt then ran out Lockie Ferguson on the last ball to seal the win, with KKR consolidating the second spot in the points table.
Meanwhile, the defeat meant RCB slumped to their seventh loss in eight matches to remain bottom of the points table.
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