Controversial DRS Call: KL Rahul's Dismissal Sparks Debate

A much-debated Test began with the first innings of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the controversial dismissal of KL Rahul. His innings also saw a catch of wicketkeeper Alex Carey off Mitchell Starc, prompting a very audible appeal and then a referral on the devices of DRS by captain Pat Cummins.

The replays showed there was a spike on the snick-o-meter when the ball passed the bat, which led to the third umpire overturning the on-field decision and declaring Rahul out. However, further scrutiny could prove that there might have been a small gap between the bat and the ball. It might also prove that the splat on the snick-o-meter was the sound of the bat hitting the pad milliseconds after the ball had passed the bat, meaning that the decision may be spurious.

Rahul exchanged words with the on-field umpire, visibly frustrated. He returned to the pavilion reluctantly. The decision has been intensely debated amongst cricket followers and experts. It is believed that, in ambiguous circumstances like this, there’s no second-guessing, and the third umpire should give the batsman the benefit of the doubt. Others claim that the technology was followed correctly and the result based on evidence was justified.

This incident overshadowed Rahul’s spirited performance until he withstood the Australian bowling attack by looking very solid at the crease. Meanwhile, this episode once again brings into the limelight the challenges and controversies surrounding the DRS system in cricket.

What Other Cricketers Said About KL Rahul’s Controversial Dismissal?

We can see clearly that the sound was of bat and pad !!!
Bad umpiring 💔#BGT2025 #BGT2024 #INDvsAUS #INDvAUS #AUSvsIND #AUSvIND #BorderGavaskarTrophy #ViratKohli𓃵 #ViratKohli #klrahul𓃵 #KLRahul𓃵

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— CricketTak (@_CricketTak) November 22, 2024

What the F@&* is this decision???? This is a joke!
@robbieuthappa

Am still trying to figure this…the claim was we have million cameras when the test match started & just when u need the other cameras they are conveniently unavailable for KL’s decision..it was such a big spike for maybe a feather if there was any… surprising
@kartikmurali

You don’t have to rush a decision when you have so many angles to review. Especially if you are overturning the on-field umpire’s call.
@bhogleharsha

Front on angle not available at the time of interception???
On-field umpire’s decision not-out. Was there conclusive evidence to overturn the decision? Bat hit the pad for sure…visible confirmation…then why not two spikes on the Ultra-Edge? Ridiculous umpiring from the box
@cricketaakash

Third umpire asked for another angle which wasn’t provided. I’d assume he’d only ask for another angle if he wasn’t sure. Then if he wasn’t sure, why did he overturn the on field not out call? Poor use of technology and proper protocol not followed. KL hard done by.
@WasimJaffer14