Virat Kohli ended up in a heated argument with the on-field umpires following his controversial dismissal during the IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday. During the third over of the RCB innings, Kohli ended up mishitting a full-toss from fast bowler Harshit Rana straight back to the bowler. While KKR cricketers celebrated, Kohli quickly went for a review as he was convinced that the ball was above his waist. However, the replays showed that the ball was dipping and third umpire Michael Gough decided that it was a fair delivery because of the dip in height.
Kohli was visibly upset by the decision and the star batter, along with RCB skipper Faf Du Plessis, was involved in a heated discussion with the umpires following the decision. Kohli looked infuriated as he made his way back to the dugout and his expression made it clear that he was not happy at all.
Angry Virat Kohli is back after that no ball#RCBvsKKRpic.twitter.com/5k6JvwOq6h
— Aarav (@sigma__male_) April 21, 2024
According to Law 41.7.1 of the ICC Playing Conditions, “Any delivery, which passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is to be deemed to be unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. If the bowler bowls such a delivery the umpire shall immediately call and signal No ball.”
While Kohli was convinced that the ball was above his waist when it made contact with his bat, the replays showed that it was dipping and would have come down below his waist if he was standing at his normal batting position. The decision also went in the bowler’s favour as Kohli was standing outside the batting crease and the replays made it clear that it would have ended up being a fair delivery.
