KL Rahul’s Controversial Dismissal Sparks Outrage in Border-Gavaskar Trophy

The opening day of the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the Optus Stadium in Perth was marred by controversy when Indian batsman KL Rahul was given out in a highly disputed decision. Rahul, who was batting on 26, was initially ruled not out by on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough after an appeal from the Australian team. However, the Australians opted to use the Decision Review System (DRS) to challenge the call.

The third umpire, Richard Illingworth, overturned the on-field decision despite lacking conclusive evidence. The replays showed a sound as the ball passed Rahul’s bat, but it was unclear whether the sound was from the bat hitting the ball or the bat hitting Rahul’s front pad.

The decision sparked widespread criticism from former cricketers and commentators. Former India cricketers like Aakash Chopra and Robin Uthappa, along with Australian coach Darren Lehmann, questioned the third umpire’s decision. Lehmann specifically criticized Cricket Australia for not using the ‘hot spot’ technology, which could have provided clearer evidence.

Lehmann emphasized the importance of having adequate technology to make accurate decisions, especially in high-stakes matches. “CA (Cricket Australia) should’ve actually paid for the hot spot then you’d have no problems there,” he said. “If we’re going to have big crowds, big nations playing, pay for it, work it out and get the right result.

The controversy has highlighted the need for improved technological support in cricket to avoid such contentious decisions in the future.