Controversy as Umpire Allows Late Review in IPL Match

On April 25, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Arjun Tendulkar gave the Mumbai Indians a remarkable start against the Gujarat Titans in the 35th match of the Indian Premier League 2023. In the third over, the young pacer dismissed Wriddhiman Saha with just 12 runs on the scoreboard, leaving the home crowd in silence. However, fans were taken aback when the umpire allowed Saha’s review even after the DRS timer had expired.

Arjun enticed Saha to play a short delivery over the leg stump, which resulted in an edge and was caught behind by Ishan Kishan. Mumbai’s appeal was strong, and after taking some time, the umpire raised his finger. As anticipated, Saha conferred with his opening partner Shubman Gill and decided to seek a review. However, his signal for review came nearly two seconds after the DRS timer had disappeared.

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To everyone’s surprise, the umpire allowed Saha’s review and referred the decision to the third umpire. The DRS revealed a spike as the ball made slight contact with the batter’s gloves, leading to Saha walking off the pitch and the Mumbai camp erupting in celebration. However, fans were quick to criticize the umpire’s strange decision to allow Saha’s late review.

Twitter was filled with reactions to the incident, with many users questioning the umpire’s decision. Some believed that the umpire had set a dangerous precedent by allowing a review after the timer had expired, while others called for more consistency in the use of DRS technology. Despite the controversy, Arjun Tendulkar’s exceptional performance in the match was widely acknowledged, and the Mumbai Indians emerged victorious in the end.

Another blunder from the on-field umpires this IPL.

Saha was consulting with Gill whether he did heard any sound of the bat or not, as he wasn't sure if he had nicked it.

And Saha was late to take the DRS as the timer had already ran out.

Yet they allowed the review. pic.twitter.com/FBU8wCO0xs

— Rahul Sharma (@CricFnatic) April 25, 2023

How was Wriddhiman Saha even allowed to take the DRS?

He signalled post the 15 seconds timer and even though the decision didn’t go in his favour, this shouldn’t have been allowed by the 3rd umpire! On-field umpire cannot track the time but the 3rd umpire surely can#GTvMI

— Sports Taaza (@SportsTaaza) April 25, 2023

Firstly umpire follow the rule of DRS.. time which is of 15 second..

How can umpire accept DRS of Saha even after 15 seconds .@BCCI @IPL

— Avinash Tiwari (@Avinash85904612) April 25, 2023