IND vs AUS, Perth Test: KL Rahul's dismissal sparks DRS controversy, outraged fans say 'that was NOT OUT'

By Sunita Iyer | First Published Nov 22, 2024, 10:13 AM IST

KL Rahul’s controversial DRS dismissal in the Perth Test against Australia sparked outrage among Indian fans, who claimed, "That was NOT OUT!"

The cricketing world was abuzz with controversy as Indian opener KL Rahul’s dismissal on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Friday left fans and experts debating the Decision Review System (DRS). The incident occurred moments before lunch, with India struggling at 51 for 4 after electing to bat first.

Also read: IND vs AUS, Perth Test: Jaiswal-Padikkal's ducks, Kohli & Rahul's dismissal sparks memes amid India's struggle

That's Lunch on Day 1 of the first Test! 51/4, with Rishabh Pant (10*) & Dhruv Jurel (4*) at the crease.

We will be back for the Second Session soon.

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/gTqS3UPruo pic.twitter.com/eMtj9MEJmX

— BCCI (@BCCI)

Tap to resize

Latest Videos

Tap to resize

Rahul was adjudged caught behind off Mitchell Starc for 26 off 74 balls, a decision that initially saw on-field umpire Joel Wilson rule in the batter’s favor. However, an Australian review turned the tables. The Ultra Edge technology detected a faint spike as the ball passed the bat, but the visuals simultaneously showed the ball brushing Rahul’s pad. Despite Rahul’s clear frustration and inconclusive evidence, third umpire Richard Kettleborough overturned the on-field decision, declaring the Indian opener out.

"His pad and bat are not together at that point in time as the ball passes.

"It's (bat hitting pad) after, in fact, the ball passes the edge. Does Snicko pick up the sound of the bat hitting the pad?

"We're assuming (Snicko) may be the outside edge of the bat but that may not… pic.twitter.com/hvG0AF9rdo

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket)

The ruling drew widespread criticism from Indian fans, who took to social media to vent their outrage. “That was NOT OUT,” became a rallying cry among supporters, with many pointing out that the third umpire should have upheld the on-field decision due to the lack of conclusive proof.

“DRS is supposed to eliminate doubt, not add to it. How can a dismissal be overturned with such ambiguous evidence?” tweeted one fan. Others noted that the front-on angle, which might have clarified the situation, was unavailable, further fueling frustrations.

That was clear not out there ia clear gap between bat and ball worst camera angle in Australia

— mannmewani (@mannmewani1)

It's a lapse of error in technology when there is clear gap between bat and pad how can third umpire can't see that and give out only based on snicko, bad decisions like this can cost you match.

— Sanjay (@sanjaysb1)

Yet another dismissal which shows why Hotspot is a must! This was such a big moment in the game

— Parth Patil (@parthhpatil)

He was not out it was clearly the bat hitting the pad 💔 pic.twitter.com/Y8sCjSZirx

— Nishika Agarwal (@sassynish_18)

The on-field was not out, the spike looked to appear after the ball passed the bat, should have been given the benefit of the doubt.

— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict)

That's poor umpiring..bat hit the pad clearly, and ball was far away from the bat... Terrible...so eager to give a decision why??

— siddhaarth mahan (@siddhaarthmahan)

Totally biased umpiring toward Australian, Ball clearly passes from the without touching the bat.

Umpire didn't even check from another angle i.e. whether the sound is coming from bat- ball or bat -pad🤬🤬

Welcome to Australia 🦘🤬

— Himanshu Yadav (@rao_himanshu7)

That was not out, there was a clear gap between bat and ball and bat hit the pad at the same time due to which there is deflection in ultraedge. Poor decision by umpire

— Govind Mishra (@go_vindmishra)

Not out tha bhai..
How can he overturn the decision without conclusive evidence?

— Vatan Shukla 🪄 (@ae_mere_vatan)

It was pad for sure pic.twitter.com/H37mZVtnit

— Aditya Patil (@iamadisp)

Unacceptable decision in this technological age, what a shame cricket Australia and the third umpire!

— Sumit Agarwal 🇮🇳 (@sumitagarwal_IN)

His best innings and they gave him out like that https://t.co/1LTOjOpneh

— sarthhhh (@ChiefLahk)

Unfair Decision https://t.co/98zgWJNlGz

— Shivraj (@EeSalaCupNahi)

Rahul’s dismissal capped a difficult morning for India, who were reeling at 51 for 4 by lunch. Debutants Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal fell without scoring, while star batter Virat Kohli managed just five runs before being undone by Josh Hazlewood’s sharp delivery.

Rishabh Pant (10*) and Dhruv Jurel (4*) were left to steady the ship after lunch, but the team’s position was precarious on a pitch offering assistance to the Australian pacers. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the bowlers, taking two wickets apiece for just 10 runs each.

Also read: IPL 2025 to kick off on March 14, final to be played on May 25; dates for next three seasons revealed - Report

India’s decision to bat first after Jasprit Bumrah won the toss raised eyebrows, with the top-order’s failure putting immense pressure on the middle and lower order.

The day’s play has already set the tone for a gripping contest, but KL Rahul’s contentious dismissal will likely remain the talking point for days to come. Fans and pundits alike have called for greater clarity and consistency in the use of technology, arguing that moments like these undermine the very purpose of DRS.

Brief Scores
India: 51/4 in 25 overs (KL Rahul 26, Virat Kohli 5, Rishabh Pant 10*; Josh Hazlewood 2/10, Mitchell Starc 2/10).

For more reliable and latest news