Xtra Time Web Desk: The full toss delivery that led to Virat Kohli’s controversial dismissal during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders on 21st April at the Eden Gardens, has sparked a fresh controversy in IPL 2024. The Royal Challengers Bangalore’s star batsman was dismissed to what seemed like a waist-high full toss, expected to be called a no-ball. However, uproar ensued when the delivery was deemed legitimate, prompting a flurry of reactions.
Despite Kohli’s protests and confrontation with the umpire, the decision remained unchanged, forcing Kohli to depart unhappy, much to the disbelief of the entire RCB camp. Analysis from Hawk-Eye technology shed light on the dismissal, revealing that although the ball was above waist height at the point of impact, its trajectory suggested it would not have exceeded waist height had Kohli remained within his crease.
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As reactions flooded in, Star Sports, the official TV broadcasters of the IPL, weighed in on the matter, clarifying the ruling. “Virat was indeed out as per the official rule book. The rule stipulates that for a delivery to be considered a no-ball, it must be at waist height as it crosses the stepping crease,” the broadcaster stated. “In Kohli’s case, while the ball was at waist height when he encountered it, as it crossed the stepping crease, it was below waist height, thus making it a fair delivery according to the official rule.”
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Kohli had begun his innings well, scoring 18 runs off six balls, with RCB at 27 runs off two overs before his unexpected dismissal. Harshit Rana’s delivery caught Kohli off guard, resulting in a caught-and-bowled dismissal as the ball lobbed off Kohli’s bat. Kohli immediately sought a review, looking towards the square leg umpire for confirmation.
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