The final day of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) was marred by controversy following the dismissal of Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young batter, who was building a crucial innings, was adjudged caught behind off a Pat Cummins delivery, a decision that has sparked widespread outrage among fans and experts alike.
The delivery in question was a short ball angled towards Jaiswal’s leg side. With a trap set, Jaiswal attempted a pull but ended up gloving it to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who claimed a low catch just above the ground. The on-field umpires referred the decision upstairs, where third umpire Sharfuddoula had to determine the legitimacy of the dismissal.
The Controversy:
While the replays suggested the ball may have hit Jaiswal’s glove, Snicko, the technology designed to detect contact, failed to register any spike as the ball passed close to the bat or glove. Despite the absence of definitive evidence on Snicko, the third umpire ruled Jaiswal out, citing visual evidence.
Expert Reactions:
Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, known for his analytical insights, voiced his dissatisfaction with the decision. “It might have been an optical illusion, but when you’re using technology, why not rely on it completely? This dismissal raises serious questions about the consistency of decision-making,” he said during the post-match analysis.
The decision left Jaiswal visibly frustrated as he reluctantly walked back to the pavilion, shaking his head. The Indian fans, who outnumbered their Australian counterparts at the MCG, erupted in chants of “Cheater, cheater,” expressing their discontent.
Crowd Reaction:
The electrifying atmosphere of the MCG turned sour as Indian supporters booed loudly, showcasing their displeasure with the contentious decision. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions, with fans questioning the role of Snicko and the rationale behind the third umpire’s call.
Conclusion:
The dismissal could prove pivotal in determining the outcome of this high-stakes match. As the debate continues, questions about the reliability and consistency of technology in cricket remain unanswered. For now, Australia has gained a crucial upper hand, but the controversy surrounding Jaiswal’s dismissal will likely be remembered as a defining moment of the series.
