Top 5 expert reactions on Virat Kohli's controversial dismissal vs KKR

Virat Kohli's dismissal during the 36th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has become a topic of debate in the cricket fraternity. While some experts say it was out, others say it was non-out. As per the rules, the batter needs to stay well within the crease and then the height of the ball should be above the waistline for the ball to be declared as a no-ball.

However, in Virat's case, he was standing outside the crease and hence, was given out by the 3rd umpire. Post the match, Star Sports gave a clear explanation as to why the ball wasn't a no-ball with pictorial representation. The entire cricket fraternity was in disbelief but soon after the explanations were provided, the experts started voicing out their opinions on social media. 

Let's check out the five experts who have given their views on this trending controversy:

1. Aakash Chopra

Speaking for the decision, Aakash Chopra encouraged the people to keep their fandoms aside and look from the cricket's perspective. 

"People complaining about the existing Law of height of the ball measured at the popping crease—please consider this—what if the batter decides to walk towards the bowler as the bowler is running in…and is 10 feet or more outside the popping crease at the time of release. Should be bowler be obliged to tinker is length so much? Or in that case, the bowler should also be allowed to forget about the crease and bowl a big no-ball?? Where does it stop?? It’s easier to get carried away and appease a particular fan base but it’s not that difficult to think it through too. Choose wisely," said Chopra on Twitter.

2. Navjot Singh Sidhu

Navjot Singh Sidhu spoke in favour of Virat Kohli saying that it was not out and the rules should be changed as it's unfair for the batters. 

सत्यमेव जयते@imVkohli @IPL pic.twitter.com/2e2hPCs77e

— Navjot Singh Sidhu (@sherryontopp) April 22, 2024

3. Harsha Bhogle

Spoke in favour of the technology and the decision, Harsha Bhogle talked about how people are always looking from the perspective of a fan and fail to see anything beyond it. 

"Thank god for technology. Took away all allegations of bias or favouritism. And just as well that the players were measured before the start of the tournament, something that a lot of us were waiting for. So, it wasn't about the umpires at all but dispassionate use of technology," said Bhogle on Twitter.

4. Mohammed Kaif

Mohammed Kaif openly criticised the umpiring and the technology. 

"Clear unplayable beamer gets Kohli out and a ball that passed under Dhoni's bat declared wide. Cameras, replays, technology but still such mistakes being made. Poor umpiring," said Mohammed Kaif.

5. Simon Doul

As per Simon Doul, the decision was on point and it was Virat Kohli's fault that he was standing outside the batting crease and hence, the decision was correct. 

"Michael Gough kept his cool, used technology absolutely spot on for the dismissal of Virat Kohli. He did not waver from it, saw the trajectory, it was well below the waist if he was standing in his normal batting position at the crease," said Doul.