"Just an optical illusion": Sunil Gavaskar explodes, declares Yashasvi Jaiswal 'not out' after controversial dismissal

Controversy erupted during India’s second innings of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne when Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal stirred heated debates among the Indian cricket team fans and cricket experts.

Sunil Gavaskar was among those who were furious, as the legendary Indian cricketer questioned the third umpire's decision to overlook the Snicko technology to decide the youngster and the touring side’s fate in the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 Test in Melbourne.

Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had battled hard for his 84 off 207 deliveries, fell victim to the third umpire’s controversial decision that left many scratching their heads on Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Melbourne.

Sunil Gavaskar questions third umpire’s decision in Boxing Day Test drama

Facing Pat Cummins in the 71st over during India’s chase, the young Indian opener appeared to have gloved the ball to the Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, prompting a DRS review after the on-field umpire gave Yashasvi Jaiswal not out in the match.

Read Also: Watch: 'Cheater' chants erupt at MCG after controversial dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal

The replays showed no spike on the Snicko meter, yet the third umpire overturned the on-field umpire’s decision and declared the decision in Australia’s favor, which sparked outrage among fans and experts like Sunil Gavaskar, with many questioning the reliance on technology.

The former Indian captain questioned the use of technology in Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal. He pointed out that if technology is ignored, then they must stop using it. Sunil Gavaskar explained that sometimes it seemed the ball might have touched the glove, but it can be an optical illusion, especially with a new ball, and sometimes, the ball passing close to the bat creates the illusion of a nick.

Evidence of the technology is not to be taken; why have it at all?: Sunil Gavaskar slams Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal

Sunil Gavaskar said during commentary on Australia’s 7Cricket: “If the technology is not to be taken, the evidence of the technology is not to be taken; why have it at all? That is something that would definitely be the query. As far as the Indians are concerned. Yes, it was the optical illusion.”

🗣️ "If the evidence of the technology is not to be taken, why have it at all? That is something that would definitely be the query as far as the Indians are concerned."

- Sunil Gavaskar on the Jaiswal DRS call #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/Xv6f9VlysM

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 30, 2024

Furthermore, the legendary Indian batter strongly criticized the controversial decision against Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling it a clear misuse of technology. The well-known commentator also argued that relying on optical illusions instead of trusting Snicko's straight line doesn’t make any sense for using advanced tools in the revolutionary game of cricket.

If you are going to use optical illusion, then don't use technology at all: Sunil Gavaskar on Yashasvi Jaiswal's wicket

In a video shared by Star Sports on X, Sunil Gavaskar shared: “If you can't see the deflection, whether you see it or not, it can be an optical illusion. Why are we using technology? We are using technology to show a sneak. Here you can see that the line is a straight line in Snicko. Whatever you are seeing can be an optical illusion. You should not take the decision on the basis of an optical illusion. If you are using technology, then you must follow what Snicko says.”

Read Also: Ravichandran Ashwin fired shots at Rohit Sharma with cryptic posts? Spinner breaks silence

Gavaskar labeled the decision "absolutely wrong" and questioned why technology is used if such clear evidence is ignored while making such a call in the high-intensity games. Notably, India lost the MCG Test by 184 runs against Australia.

He signed off by saying, “This was just an optical illusion. It's a sneak. What does sneak mean? Sneak is a straight line. So, it's absolutely not out. In my opinion, it's not out. If you could see something through a Snicko meter, then it was a different thing. This is a wrong decision. Absolutely wrong decision. Otherwise, don't use technology. If you are going to use optical illusion, then don't use technology at all. It's simple.”

🗣 "Yeh optical illusion hai."#SunilGavaskar questions the 3rd umpire's decision to overlook the Snicko technology. OUT or NOT OUT - what’s your take on #Jaiswal’s dismissal? 👀#AUSvINDOnStar 👉 5th Test, Day 1 | FRI, 3rd JAN, 4:30 AM | #ToughestRivalry #BorderGavaskarTrophy pic.twitter.com/vnAEZN9SPw

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 30, 2024