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The decision of the third umpire regarding Travis Head‘s run-out in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium once again ignited discussions on social media. Even with Head’s bat raised in the air, he was ruled not out, sparking renewed debate online.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan and New Zealand‘s star bowler Mitchell McClenaghan expressed their dismay following a controversial decision, criticising the third umpire for what they deemed as subpar officiating.
3rd umpire’s controversial decision
During the 15th over of SRH’s batting, an interesting moment unfolded when Head, the team’s in-form opener, narrowly escaped being run out by RR’s captain, Sanju Samson. Head, attempting to connect with a wide delivery from Avesh Khan, shifted across his stumps but failed to make contact with the ball.
This resulted in a moment of imbalance, leaving Head momentarily confused. Seizing the opportunity, Samson swiftly dislodged the bails at the batter’s end as Head struggled to regain his footing. Despite appearing to lag in grounding his bat behind the crease, the decision ultimately favoured Head, with the third umpire ruling him not out on the big screen.
Here is the Video:
It didn’t matter in the end 🤷♂#SRHvRR #TATAIPL #IPLonJioCinema pic.twitter.com/qdui7WrAVu
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 2, 2024
Also WATCH: Bhuvneshwar Kumar outfoxes Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson for ducks; Kavya Maran celebrates | IPL 2024, SRH vs RR
Reactions of Irfan and McClenaghan
Social media was thrown into confusion by the umpiring decision, triggering a wave of anger among fans. Irfan and McClenaghan joined in questioning the call.
Irfan criticised the third umpire’s decision, claiming it was flawed due to insufficient review. He pointed out that there were additional frames to consider, showing Head’s bat off the ground.
“Horrible decision again from third umpire. There were two more frames to see. Head’s bat was in the air,” Irfan wrote on X.
Horrible decision again from third umpire. There were two more frames to see. Head’s bat was in the air.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 2, 2024
“Insert 3rd umpire Comment below 👇…..,” McClenaghan wrote on X.
Insert 3rd umpire Comment below 👇….. #SHRvsRR #IPL2024
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) May 2, 2024