ICC Cricket World Cup 2019: Did Rohit Sharma Fell for a Controversial Decision?

Indian opener, Rohit Sharma falls for a controversial wicket against West Indies at Old Trafford, Manchester on Thursday. Team India took on West Indies in their 6th match at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 when Indian skipper won the toss and opt to bat first.

Indian openers, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul gave a steady start to India as they scored 29 runs in 5.5 overs. However, Rohit Sharma got out at the last ball of the 6th over by Kemar Roach. However, his wicket created a controversy in the match.

A confident appeal for a caught behind from Kemar Roach and Shai Hope was turned down by the umpire. However, West Indies captain, Jason Holder was not satisfied with the decision has he reviewed the original not out decision by the umpire.

The replay showed a slight knick on the ultra edge as the ball passed through. However, it was not clear whether the ball touched the pad or bat but the third umpire, Michael Gough did not review the replay again as he was convinced that the ball has edged the bat and the on-field call by the umpire was reversed.

The ball was between the bat and the pad, but it looked like the ball was closer to the bat which forced the third umpire to give the red signal. It was a length ball from Kemar Roach, bowled from wide of the crease as the ball kept coming in with the angle. It dipped in further as Rohit Sharma was prompting away from his body which created a big gap between his body and his bat. The ball, therefore, might have kissed the inside edge of the bat and pad or just pad before reaching into the keeper’s hand.

However, was the decision conclusive or not? Rohit Sharma was not convinced with the decision as he slowly went back to the pavilion after scoring 18 runs from 23 deliveries. On the other hand, Kemar Roach and Shai Hope we’re sure that there was a nick. The decision will be reviewed again and again if India loses the match as the ‘Men in Blue’ posted a score of 268 runs after losing 8 wickets.