Was Dinesh Karthik Out? Gavaskar’s Verdict in RR vs RCB Controversy, Sangakkara Fumes

Dinesh Karthik: Yet another umpiring controversy hit IPL 2024. This time, it happened in the RR vs RCB Eliminator match, focusing on Dinesh Karthik’s LBW decision. Rajasthan Royals had Royal Challengers Bangalore five down, putting pressure on Karthik to score well. But in the 15th over, Karthik was given out LBW on the first ball he faced, bowled by Avesh Khan.

Umpiring Controversy in IPL 2024 Eliminator

The IPL 2024 Eliminator match between Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) saw a big umpiring controversy involving Dinesh Karthik. After reducing RCB to five down, RR had the upper hand. It was up to Karthik to boost RCB’s total.

The Incident

In the 15th over, Karthik faced his first ball from Avesh Khan and was given LBW. The full and straight ball hit Karthik’s pads. Karthik reviewed the decision, and the UltraEdge showed a spike, making it unclear whether the bat had hit the pad or the ball. The RR players, especially Avesh Khan and Riyan Parag, were shocked when Karthik was given not out. RR’s Director of Cricket, Kumar Sangakkara, was visibly angry and talked to the umpires.

Expert Opinions

• Sunil Gavaskar: “The bat hit the pads, not the ball. If you edge it, you react immediately, not walk away to confirm.”
• Kevin Pietersen: “I don’t think the umpire got it right.”

Match Details

Rajasthan Royals captain Sanju Samson won the toss and chose to bowl first against RCB at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The winner of this match will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifier 2 at Chennai.

Team Updates

• RCB reached the playoffs by winning their last six league matches.
• RR entered the playoffs after four consecutive losses, with their last game washed out.

Captains’ Comments

• Sanju Samson (RR): “We want to bowl first because of the conditions and the dew. It’s all about the mindset. Excited to play here. Shimron Hetmyer is back after injury.”
• Faf du Plessis (RCB): “We would have bowled first too. Our team is unchanged from the win over Chennai Super Kings.”

This controversy adds another chapter to the exciting and unpredictable nature of the IPL.