Navjot Singh Sidhu raised some compelling arguments regarding Virat Kohli’s dismissal against KKR.
Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu has weighed in on the Virat Kohli no-ball controversy that arose during the IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders. Kohli was dismissed to a waist-high full toss delivered by KKR pacer Harshit Rana, sparking frustration from Kohli, the RCB team, and his numerous fans. They argued that Kohli should not have been given out because the ball was above waist height when he made contact. However, the umpires and the broadcaster ruled him out, citing that Kohli was outside his crease, and the trajectory of the ball would have resulted in it hitting him below the waist had he not moved outside.
Sidhu, however, isn’t convinced by this law and made three pointed criticisms regarding the MCC. Seeking to exact ‘justice’, Sidhu initially questioned the lawmakers about why a batter cannot have the same level of latitude as a bowler with regard to the rule of height before accusing the MCC of using beamers without official permission.
“Friends, justice demands that the truth be revealed. I’m not just speaking up for Virat Kohli, but also for RCB. If you’ve established a rule based on a 6-inch height criterion, did you provide the batter with a 7-inch allowance?” Sidhu questioned.
“That’s the first point. Now, the most critical one. You’ve essentially legalized a beamer. In my 30 years of cricket, if a bowler missed a yorker and delivered a waist-high ball, the batter would be flustered, and the bowler would apologize. But now, if a batter steps out and the ball is aimed at his head, will there be no apology for allowing beamers?” Sidhu emphasized.
Sidhu firmly believes that Virat Kohli deserved the benefit of the doubt.
Kohli’s dismissal drew widespread attention, with him visibly displeased with the decision. He expressed his frustration towards the umpires and even vented by hitting a dustbin on his way back to the dugout. Later, he was seen discussing the decision with officials after the match, sparking reactions from various former cricketers and even Star Sports, the official TV broadcaster of IPL 2024, who shared their perspectives on the controversy.
Last but not least, Sidhu, the former batter for India who is now a broadcaster, was concerned about the usage of technology, claiming that if Kohli hadn’t been batting inside the crease, the ball would have found him at or below his waist. Sidhu emphasized that Kohli should have been given the benefit of the doubt in this instance and asked the decision-makers to carefully review the law.
“Thirdly, at the point of impact, the ball is at least a foot and a half above the waist. And the batter is six inches outside the crease. Are you suggesting that the ball would dip a foot and a half in the remaining six inches? The benefit of the doubt should go to the batter. Laws evolve to enhance the game, but change isn’t always progress. This law requires careful scrutiny and adjustment. Kohli should have been given the benefit of the doubt. He was not out,” he emphasized.
RCB ended up losing to KKR in a close one-run match, marking their seventh defeat of the season. This loss keeps them at the bottom of the points table with only 2 points after 8 matches.
