Ravichandran Ashwin has expressed his disappointment regarding the umpires’ decision-making, questioning the reasoning behind the ball being changed during Chennai Super Kings’ chase against his team, Rajasthan Royals, without the bowling team’s request. During the post-match press conference, Ashwin shared his surprise at the umpires’ decision and added that some of the decisions made during this year’s IPL have left him feeling bewildered. He further mentioned that the ball was replaced by the umpire without any prompting from the bowling team, leaving him perplexed. When Ashwin inquired about the reason for the change, the umpire responded by stating that they could change it without providing any justification.
Ashwin also highlighted the need for consistency in decision-making, stating that if the ball could be changed due to dew, then it should be changed every time. He stressed the importance of adhering to standard protocols, saying, “You can do whatever you want, but you need to be standard.”
During the 12th over of the second innings when the Chennai Super Kings were chasing a target of 176, the ball was changed after the dismissal of Shivam Dube. Ashwin had taken Dube’s wicket, and he had also accounted for Ajinkya Rahane in his spell. Despite a late onslaught from MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja, the Rajasthan Royals managed to clinch a narrow victory of three runs at Chepauk.
Although the laws of cricket and IPL’s playing conditions allow umpires to change the ball as they see fit, as per Law 4.5 and playing condition 4.4, Ashwin’s concerns remain regarding the decision-making process in such situations.
During the ongoing IPL season, R Ashwin is not the only one questioning the umpires’ decision-making. Sam Curran of the Punjab Kings was seen discussing with the umpires during their game against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati on April 5. Curran found it strange that the umpires changed the ball in the first innings when it was a little wet, while his team was not allowed to change the ball despite it being like a soap. Umpires KN Ananthapadmanabhan and Saidharshan Kumar were in charge of that game, whereas Vinod Seshan and Virender Sharma officiated at Chepauk.
At the post-match press conference, Ashwin praised his teammate Sandeep Sharma for his exceptional performance in the final over of the chase. Despite MS Dhoni hitting consecutive sixes off Sandeep’s bowling, he held his nerve and finished the game off with two yorkers that Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja could only manage singles off. Ashwin appreciated Sandeep’s commitment and attitude, stating that he is someone who doesn’t get flustered and fights till the end. Despite the lesson learned that going full to MS Dhoni at that stage is not the best option, Ashwin enjoyed the composure shown by Sandeep Sharma.
