NEW DELHI: Team India batter KL Rahul’s dismissal during the opening Test against Australia in Perth has ignited widespread debate and frustration among fans and pundits.
The incident, which occurred in the 23rd over of India’s innings, saw Rahul walking back for 26 after a controversial third-umpire decision.
Facing Mitchell Starc, Rahul, who was looking in good touch, got forward to defend a delivery that angled across him.
The ball passed close to the bat and was caught by wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Initially, the on-field umpire ruled it not out, but Australia opted for a review, claiming a faint edge.
The review showed a spike on Snicko, indicating contact as the ball passed the bat.
However, the front-on replay, crucial for determining if the sound came from the bat or bat-pad contact, was inconclusive.
Despite the ambiguity, the third umpire overturned the decision, citing the spike as sufficient evidence of an edge. Rahul, visibly upset, shook his head in disbelief as he walked off the field after making his argument clear to the umpires.
The dismissal triggered a wave of anger on social media, with fans labelling the decision a “joke” and questioning the reliance on partial evidence. Many argued that the lack of a definitive front-on angle should have resulted in the benefit of the doubt being given to the batter.
Rahul’s departure added to India’s woes as the team struggled against Australia’s pace attack.
At the time of his dismissal, India were 47/4, with Starc and Josh Hazlewood dismantling the top order.
Rahul had shown resistance, consuming 74 deliveries and hitting three boundaries before the contentious call cut his innings short.