DRS is to cricket what VAR is to football. Both technologies were introduced to enhance the credibility of the on-field decisions. But they, and the referees and umpires who use it, have often found themselves at the receiving end of the ire of fans and players alike.
Rohit Sharma's controversial dismissal in the ongoing World Cup group match against the West Indies in Manchester is the latest instance of DRS coming under fire.
After an ordinary outing against Afghanistan in the last match, Sharma seemed to be revving up for yet another big score. He was batting on 18, having hit pacer Kemar Roach for a stunning six in the sixth over. Roach, however, seemed to have the last laugh as he got Sharma to inside edge the last ball of the over to wicketkeeper Shai Hope. The ball jagged back after pitching and sneaked through the gap between bat and pad. But did it hit the bat or the pad?
The on-field umpire, Richard Illingworth, wasn't convinced, and so the West Indies opted for DRS. The replays were inconclusive. The Snickometer showed spikes but it was unclear whether the ball brushed the bat or the pad. Usually, in such cases, the third umpire decide to go with the on-field umpire's decision—which was Not Out in this case. But Michael Gough ruled it out after just a couple of replays, much to Sharma's disappointment.
Soon, social media was abuzz with criticism against the decision. Third umpire Gough was trolled mercilessly by Indian fans. Many questioned the absence of the infrared imaging system, Hot Spot, as part of DRS, which would have determined whether the ball brushed the bat or the pad.
On field umpires make mistakes, understandable. But how can 3rd Umpires make such mistakes. Why doesn't ICC fine umpires for poor decisions? 🤬😒😏 #RohitSharma #INDvWI #INDvsWI pic.twitter.com/zZWHv7ZnJj
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) June 27, 2019
England board : india should lose ,but rohit is in form
— Likith 45 🇮🇳 (@45Likith) June 27, 2019
Icc: there is one guy
Worst umpiring #RohitSharma pic.twitter.com/Jk7G6OybVh
#IndvsWI#RohitSharma given out by third umpire after using new technology pic.twitter.com/ppJ4Md0mH7
— NaughtyBoy (@Godiswatching19) June 27, 2019
The decision was also questioned by commentators Sanjay Manjrekar and Michael Atherton. Both were not convinced that there was evidence conclusive enough to overturn the on-field umpire's decision.
Former cricketers Brad Hogg and S. Badrinath, too, questioned the decision.
Full sun on the ball, in the picture, on the right frame. Ball has hit the pad not the bat. Technology making the world a clearer picture, NOT!
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) June 27, 2019
Rohit has to accept the umpires decision, ctrl+alt+delete!#cwc2019🏆… https://t.co/FXRgzrFcMv
That review against Rohit ,definitely was not conclusive as the umpire mentioned on air.... soo... much for technology 🤷🏻♂️ #INDvsWI #CWC19
— subramani badrinath (@s_badrinath) June 27, 2019
Earlier, India captain Virat Kohli won the toss and chose to bat first. India remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament, after New Zealand were beaten by Pakistan yesterday in Birmingham.
The Men in Blue would look to clinch their spot in the semifinals with a win over the West Indies today.
