Xtra Time Web Desk: During a heated away game at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on 21st April, Sunday, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s star batter Virat Kohli faced the music for his fiery altercation with on-field umpires. The incident occurred during RCB’s clash against Kolkata Knight Riders, where Kohli was penalized with a 50 percent match fee deduction for showing dissent against the umpire’s decision, which led to his dismissal in RCB’s unsuccessful chase.
According to an IPL statement, Kohli’s outburst constituted a Level 1 offence under Article 2.8 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. The star player accepted the Match Referee’s sanction, emphasizing the finality and binding nature of such decisions for Level 1 breaches.
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This penalty follows closely on the heels of RCB captain Faf du Plessis’ fine of Rs 12 lakh for an over-rate offence during the same match. Both Kohli and du Plessis expressed discontent when Kohli was adjudged out early in the chase, specifically contesting the decision regarding Harshit Rana’s full-toss delivery, which Kohli believed to be waist-high. Despite Kohli’s argument and subsequent dismissal, the third umpire upheld the on-field umpire’s call, adding to the controversy.
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The dismissal stirred debate among pundits, with some asserting that the delivery should have been deemed a no-ball, considering Kohli’s position relative to the crease and the trajectory of the ball. While replays from the third umpire’s review suggested the legality of the delivery, disagreements persisted regarding its interpretation within the ICC rules.