IPL 12: Virat Kohli fumes over umpiring howler

Bangalore: A furious India and Royal Challengers Bangalore captain Virat Kohli asked umpires officiating in the IPL to keep their “eyes open” after a “ridiculous” no-ball howler cost his side dearly, something which was also acknowledged by rival Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma. Both Kohli and Rohit criticised the umpiring standard during the match which was won by Mumbai Indians by six runs on Thursday.

RCB needed seven to win the match and Lasith Malinga’s delivery to Shivam Dube — a full toss — was a no-ball which was missed by the on-field umpire S. Ravi. The TV replay showed that the bowler had overstepped and a free hit should have been awarded.

Had it been a free-hit, AB de Villiers, batting on 70, would have faced it and the RCB could have won the match.

“We are playing at the IPL level. It’s not club level, the umpires should have their eyes open. That was a big no-ball. That is a ridiculous call (last ball). If it is a game of margins, I don’t know what is happening. They should have been more sharp and careful out there,” a livid Kohli said.

Incidentally, Ravi is the only Indian umpire in ICC’s Elite Panel for a number of years now as none of the others have been good enough to be elevated.

No adverse report

BCCI match referee Manu Nayyar has not submitted any adverse report against umpires S. Ravi and C. Nandan for their howlers, an official said

It has been learnt that umpire Ravi had a word with the RCB skipper before leaving the premises and he did express his regret.

“Nayyar’s report is also not very critical,” an IPL official said.

“Virat was upset and told Ravi that this no ball cost them dearly. Ravi expressed his regret and admitted that he didn’t take the right decision at that moment,” he added.