A controversial dismissal brought Abhishek Sharma’s innings to an end during the fifth T20I between India and South Africa, triggering debate after the on-field umpire raised his finger despite no appeal from the fielding side.
Abhishek was given out caught behind off Corbin Bosch after scoring 34 off 21 balls, which included six fours and one six. The dismissal surprised many as there was no immediate appeal from either Bosch or wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, yet umpire Virender Sharma adjudged Abhishek out in a flash.
India immediately opted for a review. Replays showed the ball passing close to the bat, and UltraEdge later revealed a small spike, suggesting faint contact. While South Africa began celebrating after the spike appeared, the third umpire requested another angle before eventually upholding the on-field decision.
The lack of an appeal, however, became the main talking point, with questions raised over why the umpire made the decision without a formal claim from the fielding side. Under the laws of cricket, umpires are permitted to give a batter out even without an appeal, but such instances remain rare and often controversial.
Despite the debate, Abhishek’s dismissal stood, ending a promising knock that had given India early momentum in the powerplay.
