Umpiring Controversy Mars RCB’s Elimination from IPL 2024
An umpiring controversy surfaced during the IPL 2024 Eliminator clash between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Ahmedabad, casting a shadow over Dinesh Karthik’s lbw decision. TV umpire Anil Chaudhary’s decision to overturn the on-field umpire’s lbw decision from out to not out in Karthik’s favor sparked heavy scrutiny.
The incident occurred in the 15th over of RCB’s innings when Karthik was given out lbw by the on-field umpire. After a delayed decision review, Chaudhary overturned the decision, deeming it bat on ball instead of bat hitting pad. However, the replays showed inconclusive evidence.
TV commentators criticized the decision, and RR’s director of cricket Kumar Sangakkara was visibly displeased. Despite the controversy, Avesh Khan, the bowler, accepted the decision, stating that Karthik “got the benefit of the doubt.”
Had Karthik been given out, RCB would have been in a precarious position at 122 for 6. Instead, he went on to score 11 runs in a crucial partnership with Mahipal Lomror. Although Karthik was later dismissed, RCB’s total of 172 for 8 wasn’t enough as they lost to RR by four wickets, leading to their elimination from the tournament.
The contentious umpiring decision stirred debate and left a sour note in RCB’s IPL 2024 campaign.
