Virat Kohli’s Controversial Dismissal vs KKR: Out or Not Out?

Virat Kohli’s dismissal against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens during the IPL 2024 match sparked a major controversy. Here’s a breakdown:

The Incident:

• Chasing a mammoth 223 runs, RCB’s star batsman Kohli was dismissed on the first ball of the third over.
• Harshit Rana of KKR bowled a slow, dipping full toss that deceived Kohli.
• Kohli could only manage a simple return catch back to Rana, who successfully claimed the wicket.
• Kohli immediately reviewed the decision, believing it to be a no-ball due to the ball’s height.

The Controversy:

• The crux of the issue lies in the interpretation of the waist-high no-ball rule.
• Kohli argued that the dipping nature of the ball made it appear higher than it actually was when he played the shot.
• IPL’s Newest Hawk-Eye Ball Tracking Technology: This technology tracks the trajectory of the ball and compares it to the batsman’s registered standing height.
• In Kohli’s case, his registered waist height was 1.04 meters, while the Hawk-Eye data showed the ball would have passed the batsman at 0.92 meters at the crease (considering his upright position).
• Since the ball was below Kohli’s waist height according to the technology, the third umpire upheld the on-field decision, declaring Kohli out.

Fan Reactions and Expert Opinions:

• Fans were divided on the call. Some felt Kohli was unlucky due to the ball’s dip, while others supported the umpire’s decision based on the technology.
• Cricket experts weighed in, with some questioning the accuracy of the technology in accounting for a batsman’s natural playing stance, which might be slightly lower than their registered standing height.
• Others argued that the rule is clear and the technology functioned as intended.

The Aftermath:

• Kohli expressed his displeasure with the decision on the field but ultimately walked back.
• The dismissal proved to be a turning point in the match, impacting RCB’s chase.

Conclusion:

While the technology seems to have functioned correctly, the debate highlights the complexities of interpreting the no-ball rule in situations where the ball dips or rises unexpectedly. The incident sparked discussions about potential improvements in the technology and the need for clarity in the interpretation of the rule.

DISCLAIMER: This team is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.