AUS vs IND, Perth Test: Was KL Rahul really out? Explained

KL Rahul’s dismissal in the ongoing Perth Test has stirred controversy among fans and cricket experts alike. The decision came during a crucial phase of the game, just minutes before lunch, when Mitchell Starc delivered a sharp ball that seemed to brush past Rahul's bat. Initially given not out by the on-field umpire, Australia opted for a review, and UltraEdge detected a spike as the ball passed the bat. However, Rahul insisted the ball made contact with his pad flap and not the bat. The umpire upheld the third umpire's decision, declaring Rahul out, much to the dismay of the batter and Indian supporters.

Fans have taken to social media, claiming that the UltraEdge spike may have been caused by the bat striking the pad and not the ball. Experts, including former cricketers, have echoed these sentiments, arguing that the evidence was inconclusive and the benefit of the doubt should have gone to the batter.

Rahul’s dismissal raises questions about DRS protocol

The on-field umpire initially ruled KL Rahul not out after Australia’s appeal for a caught-behind dismissal. However, upon reviewing the decision, the third umpire overturned it, citing a spike on UltraEdge. This spike appeared as the ball passed the bat, but Rahul’s bat also seemed to simultaneously hit the pad, adding to the ambiguity.

Despite Rahul’s visible disbelief and a request for a front-on angle, the third umpire relied on an inconclusive angle from behind the stumps to make the final call. Typically, in cases of inconclusive evidence, the on-field umpire’s decision is upheld. However, in this instance, the decision was reversed, sparking debates about consistency in DRS protocols.

Forced to depart for 26 off 74 balls, Rahul’s exit left India struggling at 47/4 just before lunch, with his reaction reflecting the frustration of an outcome marred by unclear evidence.

See Also: Watch: Hazlewood strikes big as Kohli falls early in Perth

Fans and experts react to the controversial call

The dismissal has sparked a heated debate on social media. This incident adds to the ongoing discussion about the accuracy and reliability of DRS technology, with many questioning whether it truly eliminates human error. 

"His pad and bat are not together at that point in time as the ball passes.

"It's (bat hitting pad) after, in fact, the ball passes the edge. Does Snicko pick up the sound of the bat hitting the pad?

"We're assuming (Snicko) may be the outside edge of the bat but that may not… pic.twitter.com/hvG0AF9rdo

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2024

DRS to the rescue for Australia!

Snicko shows an edge and KL Rahul goes.

Starc has 2/6 in his 7th over 🔥 #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/R4mW3yE3VM

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) November 22, 2024

This fraction of second and gap in frame costed many decisons.

There was no conclusive evidence to overturn the original decision.

BTW Well Played KL Rahul 👏
A great knock and hopefully a good series ahead.#CricketTwitter#KLRahul pic.twitter.com/28yDlrPSzT

— Riseup Pant (@riseup_pant17) November 22, 2024

There was no off-side angle available and that means there wasn’t enough evidence to overturn the decision because KL Rahul’s bat had hit the pad.

This is a shocking decision by the third-umpire. Absolutely shocking!

#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/YttQzXhSYp

— Madhav Sharma (@HashTagCricket) November 22, 2024

What the hell, that’s not out! These umpires need to get their heads checked.

KL Rahul won’t be happy; he was looking amazing out there! pic.twitter.com/O17H6UnfhM

— Vipin Tiwari (@Vipintiwari952) November 22, 2024

The only batter who looked solid was KL Rahul but poor decision got him out 💔 pic.twitter.com/YHr8TCCS14

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) November 22, 2024