The standards of umpiring in IPL 2021 have actually been disappointing. In the last week or so, a couple of shocking decisions have been made, which has prompted the commentators and a few experts to talk about it. Recently, former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar also lashed out at the umpiring quality in the ongoing season.
Several howling umpires are already in the UAE leg
While it is understandable if the on-field umpires make a debatable decision, IPL 2021 has shockingly been subjected to a few howlers by even the TV umpire in recent days. One of the first instances was in the game between Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. In a tense chase, KL Rahul hit the ball in the air and Rahul Tripathi took a fine catch. However, the TV umpire ruled it as not-out.
Later, in the game between PBKS and Royal Challengers Bangalore, despite a spike, the TV umpire failed to give Devdutt Padikkal out. He had clearly under-edged the ball, but the TV umpire could not see the evidence.
Sunil Gavaskar slams the umpiring standards in IPL 2021
Another umpiring error happened in the game between CSK and Delhi Capitals. In the final over, Dwayne Bravo bowled a delivery that went past the pitch area. As per the rules, it should have been a no-ball, but umpire Anil Chaudhary called it wide. Sunil Gavaskar was unhappy with this decision.
Speaking on Star Sports, he said, “That was clearly a no-ball. We’ve had a couple of decisions from TV umpires, which in these circumstances can make the difference between winning and losing, and that shouldn’t happen.”
He added, “These kinds of decisions should not change the game. It’s a good thing Delhi won because that could have changed the game.” Meanwhile, three teams have already qualified for the playoffs, and the race for the final spot is heating up. Umpire standards would be expected to improve in the coming days.
