SRH vs RCB: After Virat Kohli episode, Navjot Singh Sidhu demands removal of on-field umpires from BCCI

Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu made interesting comments on the role of on-field umpires amidst advanced technology in cricket. Navjot Singh Sidhu stated that the role of on-field umpires has diminished, with the third umpire making most of the decisions using technology.

The BCCI introduced the Decision Review System (DRS) for wides and (waist-high) no-balls during the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 season, aiming to enhance decision accuracy. This system was also adopted in the Indian Premier League (IPL). A team gets only two reviews in an innings.

Players have been empowered to review wide calls, making the decision-making process of third umpires more transparent to viewers. However, inconsistencies in the rulings, such as those regarding the batter's position, have left fans and experts frustrated in the ongoing season.

90% Of The Decisions Shown All On Screen - Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu believes cricket would benefit if on-field umpires make their own decisions. Sidhu stated that if the third umpire is making most decisions, field umpires become redundant.

Navjot Singh Sidhu said, "now the on field umpire's job is not to stand in the stadium when 3rd umpire technology is being used for 90% of the decisions shown all on screen".

Sidhu's comment was prompted by Virat Kohli's dismissal due to a waist-high full toss delivered by Harshit Rana during the IPL 2024 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The dismissal of the Royal Challengers Bangalore ace batter sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike.

Virat Kohli reviewed the decision as the ball seemed to be above his waist height. The 35-year-old was deemed out after checking the player's height and the ball's expected trajectory. The umpire determined that the ball would have been below the waist had the batter been at the crease.

Kohli was visibly frustrated and engaged in a heated discussion with the umpires before angrily walking back to the pavilion. He had to depart after scoring 18 runs off seven deliveries, including one four and two sixes. The Bengaluru-based team suffered a narrow defeat by just one run.

Are You Legalizing A Beamer - Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu has called for a change in the cricketing rules to improve the game. Sidhu questioned whether the decision-makers would legalize the Beamers.

“I’m disappointed, not only for Virat Kohli but for RCB as well. If you have a rule in place for the waist-height no-ball, did you notice he stood on his toes almost 6 inches high? Did u count those extra inches while measuring his height,” Sidhu said.

“The biggest thing for me is that a beamer was legalized. Since I started playing the game, I have seen bowlers apologizing even if their attempted Yorker turned into a beamer and surprised the players. So, if the batter steps out and gets hit on the head or shoulder, won’t you even apologize? Are you legalizing a beamer,” he added.

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