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The Boxing Day Test between Australia i India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) concluded on a spectacular note, leaving fans, players and officials debating the reliability and use of technology in cricket. The match, which saw Australia cruise to a 184-run victory, was overshadowed by the controversial dismissal of the young Indian opener. Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Controversial DRS decision ends Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brilliant knock
Jaiswal, who was anchoring India’s chase with a resilient 84, faced a crucial moment on 71. Trying to take a short delivery from the Australian captain Pat Cumminsthe ball appeared to go past Jaiswal’s bat and gloves, leading to an appeal for a caught-behind dismissal. Umpire Joel Wilson initially ruled Jaiswal not out, but after a DRS (Decision Review System) review by Australia, the third umpire overturned the decision based on visual evidence of a deviation, despite the absence of a peak in the Snickometer.
The BCCI vice-president raises the issue
This decision has led to a major backlash from the cricketing community, especially from the senior member of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). BCCI Vice President Rajeev Shukla expressed his displeasure and took to social media to express his views.
“Yashaswi Jaiswal was clearly not out. The third umpire should have taken note of what the technology suggests. Although about the on-field umpire, the third umpire should have had solid reasons.” wrote Mr. Shukla at X (formerly Twitter).
Yashaswi jayaswal was clearly not out. The third umpire should have taken note of what the technology suggests. Whereas the third field umpire must have solid reasons. @BCCI @ICC @ybj_19
— Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) December 30, 2024
Also READ: AUS vs IND (WATCH): Yashasvi Jaiswal reverses Mitchell Starc’s bail ritual to protect Rishabh Pant’s wicket on Day 5 of MCG Test
Cricket legends join the debate
The dismissal was not just about losing a key batsman, but raised questions about the interpretation of technology in cricket’s DRS system. The debate centered on whether visual evidence of a deviation should replace the absence of sound on the Snickometer. Cricket legends com Sunil Gavaskar they were also critical, with Gavaskar describing the decision as an “optical illusion” and questioning the very purpose of using the technology if it is not fully accounted for.
The incident has fueled discussions about the balance between human judgment and technological aid in cricket. Former Australian captain Ricky Pontinghowever, he defended the decision, stating that there was clear contact with Jaiswal’s glove. This view was echoed by the former referee Simon Taufelwho argued that visual evidence of a deviation was sufficiently conclusive, suggesting that not all decisions need further technological corroboration when visual evidence is evident.
