The 34th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 saw one of the biggest controversies of the season as Delhi Capital’s captain Rishabh Pant asked batsmen Rovman Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to walk off the field over a no-ball.
With 36 needed off the last over, Powell, who walked into bat at number 8, smashed his compatriot Odeb McCoy for 3 consecutive sixes off the first three deliveries. However, the third delivery which appeared to have been bowled full toss over the waist was not given a no-ball by the on field umpires Nitin Menon and Nikhil Patwardhan.
While the Delhi camp looked convinced that it was a no-ball, the umpire gave it a fair delivery, which saw a member of the DC camp run onto the field to argue over the decision. At the same time, Rishabh Pant was spotted signalling the batters to walk off.
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Later, Rishabh Pant in the post-match said that they were convinced it was a no-ball and it wasn’t even a close call. He further added that the third umpire could have intervened but it wasn’t in their hands. He admitted that they were wrong on their part to go to the ground but said that both the parties were guilty.
“Everyone was frustrated (in the dugout) that it was not even close, everyone in the ground saw that, I think the third umpire should have interfered and said it was a no-ball,” Rishabh Pant said in the post match conference.
“Obviously it wasn’t right [sending Amre onto the field] but what happened with us is also not right, it happened in the heat of the moment. It was the fault from both sides and it is disappointing as we have seen some good umpiring in the tournament,” he added.
Delhi Capitals suffered their 4th defeat of the season and are placed at the 6th spot in the points table. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals have made a quick jump to occupy the top spot in the points table with 10 points in their account and an NRR of +0.432.
