IND vs ENG: Kumar Dharmasena Under Fire for Helping England Save DRS by Signaling Inside Edge in Oval Test
Umpire Kumar Dharamsena faces cheating accusations in India vs England Oval Test after allegedly signaling to England about a bat-edge. Fans demand ICC action.
The fifth and final Test between India and England at The Oval has sparked controversy after on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena was accused of influencing a DRS call in favour of England.
With the hosts leading the series 2-1 and one match ending in a draw, India must win this match to level the series. However, an incident on Day 1 has left fans furious.
After winning the toss on a green-top pitch, England chose to bowl first. The conditions were tough for batters, and India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal early for just two runs.
But what has caught everyone’s attention is an incident involving Dharmasena during a close appeal.
Fans Accuse Umpire of Assisting England with DRS
In a moment of controversy, Kumar Dharmasena was seen signaling to the England players that there was contact between the bat and ball.
This came just before England had to decide whether to review the not-out call. Normally, such gestures are discouraged, as it is the team’s decision alone to take a review.
Fans quickly picked up the moment and shared clips online, accusing Dharmasena of overstepping his role. Many claimed the umpire’s signal helped England avoid wasting a review, calling it unfair and biased.
One user posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Kumar Dharmasena – What a disgusting umpiring. Straightaway signaling inside edge to English players and helped them save one review. @ICC are you seeing? @iSunilTaneja @cricketaakash your say on this? #ENGvIND”
Another wrote:
“Hope @ICC watched that Dharmasena indicated to England that the ball hit the bat first… It’s not his job to help England decide on DRS. That was brain fade.”
Will ICC Take Action?
The incident has raised serious questions about umpiring standards and neutrality, especially in such a high-stakes match.
Fans are now waiting to see whether the International Cricket Council (ICC) will take any action or issue a clarification regarding the incident.
