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IPL 2023 | Third Umpire's Dodgy DRS Verdict Against Rohit Sharma Baffles Mohammed Kaif


image-lhh7n4z3Rohit Sharma has not been in the best forms in IPL 2023 (Source: Twitter)

During the 54th fixture of the TATA IPL edition between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Rohit Sharma's dismissal caught Mohammed Kaif's attention when he was trapped on the pads by the bowling of Wanindu Hasaranga for 7. Yet another failure with the bat for the Indian opener, whose average is at a shocking low of 17.36 this season. However, his side ended up on the winning side as Suryakumar Yadav and Nehal Wadhera put up a record 120-run stand between them to crush RCB by a margin of 6 wickets with 21 balls to spare. 



Wanindu Hasaranga struck MI with two blows in the 5th over

The incident came to light during the 5th over of the second innings when MI was jolted by two quick dismissals of Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma. Ishan was the first to depart as he fell to Hasaranga while trying to up the ante. Rohit was the second victim to follow as he was wrapped on the pads whilst advancing down the pitch. But how he was dismissed certainly raised quite a few eyebrows. 

Notably, the spinner went for a big appeal as Rohit was hit on the pads while trying to swat the ball on the leg side. The appeal was turned down by the on-field umpire initially. Desperate to apply the brakes on the scoring rate, RCB challenged the on-field umpire's decision and went for the referral. The TV replay revealed that no bat was involved, and the ball tracking confirmed three reds which meant that Rohit had to depart.

Mohammad Kaif was baffled by the decision

The former Indian batsman Mohammed Kaif wasted no time calling out Sharma's obnoxious dismissal on his Twitter handle. 

“Hello DRS, yeh thoda jyada nahi ho gaya? How can this be lbw?,” 

image-lhhahf6pMd. Kaif called the 2.5 metres rule into play (Source: Twitter)

Kaif's reaction to this dismissal was justified as Rohit was a long way down the track whilst trying to meet the ball on the full. As per the latest playing conditions surrounding the LBW law, a batter should be deemed Not Out if the distance between the impact and the stumps is more than 2.5 meters. From the naked eye, the point of impact appeared to be of the same distance as stated in the ICC playing conditions. The Third Umpire should have certainly factored in this clause whilst reaching such a decision. 



With the impressive win last night, MI have climbed to the third spot in the points table and have kept their playoff hopes alive. They will host the mighty GT at home on May 12 in their upcoming fixture.