Varun Chakaravarthy causes massive stir after Ryan Rickelton's call-back; Mumbai Indians' forgery hinted?

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has questioned a no-ball decision made during the recent IPL 2025 clash between Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Varun stated that it should be a dead ball with a warning to the keeper rather than penalizing the bowler.

Ryan Rickelton was caught at cover off Zeeshan Ansari in the 33rd match of IPL 2025 at the Wankhede Stadium on Thursday, April 17. However, the third umpire overturned the decision. Replays revealed that Sunrisers Hyderabad keeper Heinrich Klaasen had his gloves positioned in front of the stumps.

Varun Chakaravarthy Questions No-Ball Rule Following Controversial Call

The third umpire's decision sparked debate over whether such infractions should affect the bowler. Mumbai Indians successfully chased down Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 162/5 to win by five wickets. Players and former cricketers have shared their views on social media.

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Varun Chakaravarthy voiced his disagreement with the third umpire’s decision. He questioned the fairness of the rule, adding that the bowler had done nothing wrong. Varun Chakaravarthy said that bowlers should not be punished with a no-ball and a free hit.

"If the keeper's gloves come in front of the stumps, it should be a dead ball and a warning to the keeper so that he doesn't do that again !!! Not a no-ball and a free hit!! What did the bowler do? Thinking out loud!! What do u all think???" Varun Chakaravarthy wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Take a look at Varun Chakaravarthy's post below:

If the keeper's gloves come in front of the stumps, it should be a dead ball and a warning to the keeper so that he doesn't do that again !!! Not a no ball and a free hit!! What did the bowler do🙄🙄
Thinking out loud!! What do u all think???

— Varun Chakaravarthy🇮🇳 (@chakaravarthy29) April 17, 2025

Ryan Rickelton was dismissed in the following over after being outfoxed by a slower ball from Harshal Patel. The left-handed batter departed for 31 off 23 balls, including five boundaries.

Also Read: Abhishek Nayar all set to join this IPL team after BCCI terminates his contract

What the MCC Rules Say About the Wicketkeeper's Position?

Law 27.4 of cricket states that if a keeper changes their position before receiving the ball, the umpire has the authority to either call a no-ball or wide.

According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Law 27.3 says that: “The wicket-keeper shall remain wholly behind the wicket at the striker’s end from the moment the ball comes into play until a ball delivered by the bowler touches the bat or person of the striker or passes the wicket at the striker’s end or the striker attempts a run.”

“In the event of the wicket-keeper contravening this Law, the striker’s end umpire shall call and signal No ball as soon as applicable after the delivery of the ball,” it added.

Mumbai Indians Secure Four-Wicket Win Over SunRisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad, coming off a thrilling chase of 246 against Punjab Kings, struggled to post a competitive total in their match against Mumbai Indians. They managed just 162/5 in their 20 overs, with contributions from Abhishek Sharma (40 off 28) and Heinrich Klaasen (37 off 28).

Mumbai Indians began aggressively but they lost wickets regularly in the middle overs. However, Hardik Pandya (21 off 9 balls) and Tilak Varma (21 off 19 balls) guided them past the target in the 19th over.

Sunrisers will face Mumbai again on April 23 in Hyderabad. Before that match, Mumbai Indians will take on Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 20.

Also read: Suryakumar Yadav, Shreyas Iyer ordered to participate in Mumbai T20 League; Rohit Sharma named 'Face of League'