Controversial dismissals have been part of cricket ever since the game started. But this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 has been rocked by many controversial decisions in almost every game.
The match between Delhi Capitals and Rajasthan Royals in Delhi on Tuesday saw a controversial dismissal of the visiting team's skipper Sanju Samson making headlines.
The incident occurred in the 16th over when Samson was caught by Shai Hope at the long-on boundary off Mukesh Kumar.
It was a tight catch at the long-on ropes and Hope somehow managed to grab it. The third umpire checked it and declared it out.
Hope was close to the boundary and he made sure he didn't step on the rope despite a couple of unclean movements at the end. But the replays were inconclusive if Hope completed that catch without touching the boundary. Samson had already started to walk off until the signal came from the Royals dugout believing that the fielder had touched the rope. The Royals skipper started walking off only to return to the middle to have a heated discussion with the on-field umpires.
Samson got dismissed on 86 off 46 deliveries which proved to be a pivotal point in the game as the Royals from Rajasthan lost the game by 20 runs, to record their second loss on the trot.
Game of margins! 😮
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 7, 2024
A splendid catch that raises the 𝙃𝙊𝙋𝙀 for the Delhi Capitals 🙌
Sanju Samson departs after an excellent 86(46) 👏
Watch the match LIVE on @StarSportsIndia and @JioCinema 💻📱#TATAIPL | #DCvRR pic.twitter.com/rhLhfBmyEZ
The official broadcaster shared a clip on X of former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu sharing his views on the controversial dismissal.
In the video Sidhu says, "The game changed at the dismissal of Sanju Samson. If we look at the replays side-on the foot touches the boundary twice and it's very clear. Either you don't use technology, but if you are using it, and if the technology errs, it's just like doodh mein makkhi padi hui hai aur koi aapko kahe piyo. Nahi pi sakte ho aap."
"So the foot touches the boundary line twice and after that if someone says it's out, the fans and a neutral person like me, then I would say now that you have shown it to me, now you're saying doodh mein makkhi padi hui hai aur tum mujhe keh rahe ho ki piyo, main nahi piyunga.
It's not out. Whatever the rule may be, but you can see it clearly, some evidences are very strong to disbelieve. They are very conclusive. It's like finding a trout in a glass of milk.
Then whatever happened there, the umpire didn't do it deliberately. No one is at fault. It happens. It's a part of the game. But the game changed there," Sidhu, who is known for his witticisms, added.
"It's like finding a trout in a glass of milk"@sherryontopp expresses disbelief at the dismissal of #SanjuSamson, which proved to be the turning point of the match 👀
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 7, 2024
What's your opinion on this decision? 👇🏽
Enjoy more witty 'Sidhuisms' from the 'Sardar of the Commentary Box'… pic.twitter.com/Sjc3XiYKHV
This was only the third defeat for the Royals in 11 matches and they are still at the number two spot in the points table, but this was also their 2nd straight loss on the trot losing a nail-biter against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the previous game.
With 6 wins and as many losses in 12 games, The Delhi Capitals are in the fifth spot.