Last Updated on 2 weeks by Charbel Coorey
It didn’t take long for controversy to arrive at the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), as KL Rahul was given out caught behind via DRS in the first session of the Perth Test. Rahul, batting nicely on 26 against a very disciplined Australian attack on a helpful pitch, was given not out by on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough off a Mitchell Starc delivery that went past his edge.
The Australians were adamant he edged it. Pat Cummins went up for the review almost immediately. However, that’s where things became murky. While there was a spike on UltraEdge, third umpire Richard Illingworth couldn’t clearly tell whether it was ball hitting bat or bat hitting pad. He asked for another offside angle which didn’t come, and surprisingly he still gave Rahul out, much to the opener’s frustration.
The decision has been criticised heavily on social media. Fans believe there was not enough evidence to overturn the decision, especially given the DRS replay (right-hand side below) was cropped, making it very difficult to decipher conclusively what caused the spike.
“That is a moment that will be discussed long into this day, long into this match,” said Adam Gilchrist on commentary as Rahul walked off. “That’s controversial, there was a spike on the snicko, but was it from ball hitting the bat or bat hitting pad?” asked Mike Hussey.
Given the uncertain nature of it all, for Richard Illingworth to conclude that there was enough evidence to overturn the on-field decision was a hugely surprising call.
KL Rahul given out in controversial circumstances in Perth: India fans react
“What’s the rush when you have technology? What’s the point if you’re making such stupid decisions?”, wrote one fan on X. “Even with the DRS replay cropped, they didn’t check the pad or bat properly, this is a horrible call! This wicket would completely change the game. Feel for KL Rahul.”
Below are some other reactions from fans, pundits and cricketers on social media after Rahul was controversially dismissed for 26 off 74 balls.
KL Rahul was batting beautifully on a challenging Perth surface. The Australians had the ball on a string. However, Rahul kept them at bay thanks to an excellent show of discipline and technique.
The opener’s 74-ball stay ended in disappointing and controversial fashion. But, if he continues to play with such grit against a good attack, India will find it difficult to keep him out of the XI for the remainder of this series.
