“Why wasn’t technology utilised… could have zoomed and checked further,”Harbhajan Singh criticizes umpiring decision in controversial catch during WTC Finals

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced his discontent with the umpiring decision surrounding the dismissal of Indian opener Shubman Gill during Day 4 of the WTC Finals. Singh believes that the catch taken by Cameron Green should have undergone further scrutiny and that the umpires should have utilized technology more effectively.

“Technology use kiya ja sakta tha, third umpire time le sakte the aur thora zoom kar sakte the,” says Harbhajan Singh on air with Star Sports.

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In a moment that sparked confusion and debate, Green took a remarkable catch at gully, seemingly dismissing Gill. However, upon closer examination from different camera angles, doubts were raised about the legitimacy of the catch. Replays indicated that Green may have made contact with the ground while completing the catch, which should have resulted in a not-out decision.

Singh expressed his disappointment with the handling of the situation, suggesting that the umpires should have taken the time to thoroughly review the catch and utilize the available technology to its fullest extent. He believed that a closer zoom and careful examination would have provided a clearer picture of whether the catch was cleanly taken or not.

The dismissal dealt a significant blow to India, who were already facing the challenging task of chasing a target of 403 runs to win the WTC Finals. It was Boland who claimed Gill’s wicket, maintaining an impressive line and length around the off stump. Gill, attempting to defend a ball that unexpectedly kicked up, produced a fine edge that flew to Green at gully. The fielder displayed exceptional reflexes to complete the catch.

The contentious nature of the decision left both Rohit Sharma and Gill surprised, further highlighting the need for a meticulous examination of such close calls. The use of technology, including zooming in for a better view, could have played a crucial role in arriving at a fair and accurate decision.