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NDTV
an hour ago
- Sport
- NDTV
" Aadatein Jaati Nahi": Umpire Kumar Dharmasena Slammed For Helping England Save DRS
Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena found himself at the center of criticism over an unexpected gesture on Day 1 of the 5th Test between India and England at the Kennington Oval. Dharmasena hinted at an inside edge as England pacer Josh Tongue put up a strong LBW appeal against B Sai Sudharsan. Dharmasena's 'inside edge' gesture prevented England from taking a review on the appeal, much to the disappointment of the touring team's fans. For the unversed, the umpires aren't allowed to specify the reason behind their decision to turn down an appeal. If the players aren't happy with the umpire's call, they have the decision to review it using DRS. But, in the grasp of old habits, Dharmasena's gesture directly prevented England from losing a review. Speaking of the gesture, former India batter and coach, Sanjay Bangar, said that Dharmasena probably signalled an 'inside edge' because of his old habits, since he has been officiating from a time when DRS didn't exist. "These habits don't go away easily for umpires because it's second nature to them. Whenever there is an appeal, you try to say it. Because when Dharmasena had started his umpiring career, there was no DRS then. But now, you are not supposed to give a signal on what's going on in your mind. Or else, the bowler and the bowling team gets a sort of a hint on what's going on in the umpire's mind. The umpire should not have done that," he said. Experts react as #KumarDharmasena makes a lightning-quick LBW call on #SaiSudharsan Did he judge it too quickly or just perfectly? #ENGvIND 5th TEST, DAY 1 | LIVE NOW on JioHotstar — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 31, 2025 Later, Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary said that the gesture was only a mistake and not a deliberate attempt to help England. "It just happens by mistake. No umpire at that level will do it deliberately, hence it just happens by accident. It also sometimes happens with us in domestic matches, as it happens in a flow. But you have to be very careful, especially in the 15-second with the DRS," he told My Khel.
India.com
7 hours ago
- Sport
- India.com
Did Kumar Dharmasena Secretly Help England? Umpires DRS Signal In IND Vs ENG 5th Test Sparks Cheating Controversy
Day 1 of the fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval turned controversial as experienced Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena found himself at the centre of a DRS (Decision Review System) storm. A subtle hand gesture made by Dharmasena during a key LBW appeal sparked a massive debate on social media and among cricket pundits, with many accusing him of influencing England's decision not to review. — Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 31, 2025 The incident unfolded in the 13th over of India's innings, when Josh Tongue bowled a lethal inswinging yorker to Sai Sudharsan. The ball struck Sudharsan low on the pad, and England immediately went up in a loud LBW appeal. While it initially appeared the delivery was going down leg, Dharmasena's response added a layer of confusion—and controversy. Suspicious Gesture Raises Eyebrows Instead of a neutral stance, Dharmasena subtly pointed to his finger, appearing to indicate an inside edge. This small but significant gesture saw England refrain from taking the review—a move that would later prove crucial, as replays confirmed that the ball had indeed nicked Sudharsan's bat before hitting the pad. This moment, seemingly minor in real-time, set the cricketing world abuzz. Many fans and former players questioned whether an umpire's job was to impartially adjudicate or to subtly guide teams during DRS decisions—especially when each team only has three unsuccessful reviews per innings. History Repeats? Similarities with the 2008 Sydney Test The controversy reminded cricket followers of the infamous 2008 Sydney Test, where umpires Steve Bucknor and Mark Benson were heavily criticised for a series of poor decisions against India. Eight incorrect calls were recorded in that Test, many of which tilted the momentum in Australia's favour, leading to widespread outrage and a formal complaint from the BCCI. While Dharmasena's case isn't as dramatic or deliberate, the integrity of umpiring once again finds itself under scrutiny. The rise of DRS was meant to minimise human error—but when umpires subtly hint at what they've seen, it raises ethical concerns about indirectly influencing the game's outcome. Sanjay Bangar Slams 'Second Nature Habits' Reacting to the incident on Star Sports, former India all-rounder Sanjay Bangar minced no words in criticising Dharmasena. 'These habits don't go away easily,' Bangar said. 'Back when Dharmasena started umpiring, there was no DRS. But today, such gestures are not acceptable. The umpire's body language should remain neutral, especially during that critical 15-second window.' Bangar's frustration echoed that of fans who felt India might have been disadvantaged by the umpire's subtle prompt to England. Anil Chaudhary Defends Dharmasena: 'It Happens in Flow' Amid the criticism, Indian umpire Anil Chaudhary came to Dharmasena's defence. In an interview with MyKhel, Chaudhary said, 'It just happens by mistake. No umpire at this level will do it deliberately. Sometimes, in the flow of the game, we forget the presence of DRS and react instinctively.' While his defence was measured and empathetic, it still underscores the need for stricter adherence to umpiring protocol in the DRS era, especially in high-stakes games. Impact on the Series & Cricketing Trust This wasn't just a flashpoint for social media outrage—it added fuel to the broader conversation about trust in umpiring. With the IND vs ENG Test series already full of heated moments, this controversy further heightened tensions. While India ended Day 1 with a steady top-order start, the DRS drama could've easily altered the course of the innings had England opted to review. As cricket evolves with technology, incidents like these emphasize that human influence, even unintentional, still shapes the game. The ICC may now have to revisit protocols and training for umpires, particularly regarding non-verbal communication during reviews.
News18
21 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Explained: Why Umpire Wasn't Wrong To Signal Inside Edge On Refusal Of ENG's Appeal
Last Updated: Sri Lanka umpire Kumar Dharmasena has been criticised for signaling inside edge during England's LBW appeal against Sai Sudharsan. Sri Lanka umpire Kumar Dharmasena came under fire on Thursday when he was seen indicating to the players that there was a clear inside edge when England appealed for an LBW of Sai Sudharsan, prompting fans to question if an on-field umpire is allowed to do the same. The incident came to light after England pacer Josh Tongue's ball to Sudharsan prompted a minor appeal from the fielders. It was a full, inswinging ball that struck Sudharsan low on the pad, causing him to lose his balance and drop to his haunches. Dharmasena shook his head as the England cricketers appealed. While shaking his head, Dharmasena gestured with his fingers as well, indicating to the cricketers that he believed Sudharsan had inside-edged the delivery onto his pad. Sudharsan had indeed got an inside edge on the ball, sparing him from what appeared to be a straightforward LBW dismissal. 'Why is Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena telling the English bowler that it's a clear edge by showing his fingers?" a fan questioned. 'Is Kumar Dharmasena Helping England Bowlers ?? By explaining the reason for denying an appeal 🤔🤔," another fan tweeted on Thursday afternoon. Is Kumar Dharmasena Helping England Bowlers ??By explaining the reason of Denying an appeal 🤔🤔 #INDvsENG #INDvsENGTest — Mayank (@mayankcdp) July 31, 2025 It is not uncommon for umpires to explain their reasoning behind a not-out decision to the cricketers on the field. But it gets more controversial when the Decision Review System is available. This is because when umpires indicate they believe there was an inside edge, it can deter cricketers from opting for a review, saving them from losing one they might have otherwise used. However, there is nothing in the rules that prevents an umpire from explaining the reasoning behind their decision. 'Either the captain or the two batters may, in respect of a decision relating to an appeal for LBW, question the bowler's end umpire as to whether his/her decision has been made on the basis that the striker made no genuine attempt to play the ball with the bat," Article 32.2.3 of the Test Playing Conditions says. 'Under no other circumstance is any player permitted to query an umpire about any aspect of a decision before deciding on whether or not to request a Player Review," the article adds. Therefore, the conditions don't prohibit Dharmasena from signalling to the England cricketers that he believed Sudharsan had edged the ball. It would have been against the rules for the England cricketers to ask Dharmasena whether Sudharsan had hit the ball, something they didn't do. First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Sport
- Hindustan Times
Kumar Dharmasena's Oval Test blunder hands England big escape in Sai Sudharsan's case; Atherton fumes: 'IND would want…'
Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena made a major blunder during the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy on Thursday, allowing England to escape a close call involving Sai Sudharsan without burning a DRS review. Did Kumar Dharmasena help England with DRS review? The incident occurred on the second ball of the 13th over, when Josh Tongue delivered a searing inswinging yorker that caught Sudharsan by surprise. The batter lost his balance while defending, falling to the ground as the ball struck him low on the pad. England erupted in a loud appeal for LBW, but umpire Dharmasena shook his head and signalled an "inside edge" with his finger, a gesture that helped the hosts avoid burning a review. Replays showed the delivery was a low full-toss, and while Sudharsan was caught in a tangle, the ball had in fact brushed his bat before he fell to the ground. The misjudgment from Dharmasena, though inadvertent, gave England a major reprieve. On commentary, former England captain Michael Atherton reacted sharply: "India would say we want England to burn their reviews." Under DRS protocol, umpires are not supposed to indicate such explanations during appeals, making Dharmasena's gesture a clear deviation that unintentionally benefited England. England and India share honours after first session The change in venue brought no luck to India captain Shubman Gill as he lost the toss for the fifth straight time in the series. England's stand-in skipper Ollie Pope put India into bat first at The Oval, and the tourists reached lunch on 72-2 as heavy rain cut the session short by five minutes. The hosts got an early breakthrough under gloomy London skies with Gus Atkinson cutting the ball in from outside the off stump to trap Yashasvi Jaiswal lbw for 2. Fellow opener KL Rahul then bottom-edged an attempted cut shot off Chris Woakes onto his off stump to leave India on 38-2. However, Sudharsan put on a great fight against the England fast bowlers, remaining unbeaten on 25. Gill too remained not out on 15 at the interval. India made four changes to the playing XI for the series finale with Karun Nair, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna coming in for Rishabh Pant, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur and Anshul Kamboj. England also made four changes in their line-up. Regular captain Ben Stokes was ruled out of the match on Wednesday owing to a shoulder injury and replaced by Jacob Bethell. The three other changes were Atkinson, Jamie Overton, and Josh Tongue replacing Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Liam Dawson in the bowling attack.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
IND vs ENG Test: Stump mic reveals KL Rahul suggested Shubman Gill not take incorrect review
Washington Sundar celebrates with KL Rahul after dismissing Harry Brook of England during Day Three of the 4th Test Match (Photo by) Shubman Gill 's maiden series as India's Test captain continues to throw stiff challenges at him, with the visitors under pressure on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. After England's dominant response with the bat, Gill's decision-making, particularly around reviews, came under the spotlight. India were bowled out for 358 on Day 2 and then endured a frustrating opening stand of 166 between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Ravindra Jadeja and debutant Anshul Kamboj eventually broke the partnership, but by then England had seized control. Things deteriorated further on Day 3 as England piled on the runs, going past 460 with Joe Root scoring yet another hundred. Amid the growing scoreboard pressure, India's bowlers looked ineffective, and even their use of the Decision Review System became a talking point. Shardul Thakur opens up on being under bowled, gives inside details on Rishabh Pant A video clip showing Gill surrounded by teammates during a review call went viral. As the group debated whether to go upstairs for an LBW appeal, it was Washington Sundar who initially pushed for the review, arguing, " It wasn't that high. It didn't even go that high ." KL Rahul , however, offered a different assessment that eventually swayed the captain. 'It's not height. You know how far he played? Three meters,' Rahul reasoned. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Learn More Undo India decided to take the review, and were ultimately proven wrong. Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar, speaking on Star Sports, praised Rahul's intervention. 'India have already lost two reviews. Both times, it was Mohammed Siraj that was bowling. How difficult would it be for a young captain, when there was so much excitement from his teammates to take the review,' Manjrekar said. Poll How well do you think Shubman Gill is handling his captaincy challenges? Very well Somewhat well Not at all Highlighting Rahul's impact, he added, 'KL Rahul was the voice of reason. His suggestion was absolutely right, and Gill should maybe listen to him more.' With England showing no signs of slowing down and Root continuing to torment Indian bowlers, Gill's leadership faces a real test as India try to stay alive in the series. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
