"Why always fixing against RCB"; "Seems like clear delivery" - Fans split on Virat Kohli's controversial dismissal in KKR vs RCB IPL 2024 game
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) star batter Virat Kohli was dismissed controversially against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 match at Eden Gardens on Sunday (April 21). The right-hander walked back for 18 runs off seven balls, including two sixes and one boundary.
For the unversed, Kohli was caught and bowled by Harshit Rana in the third over of RCB's run-chase. The 35-year-old looked dejected, claiming it to be waist height delivery, and fumed at the on-field umpires after the third umpire called it a fair delivery. Kohli was livid with the decision, he was also seen shaking his head in the dugout.
The dismissal came as Rana bowled a full toss, following Kohli towards the leg side to cramp him for room. The right-hander was surprised at the delivery and managed to lob it straight as Rana got forward and completed the catch. Kohli reviewed the on-field umpire's decision. He was batting outside the crease and according to Michael Gough, the TV umpire, the ball dipped below the waist.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) came up with mixed reactions to Kohli's dismissal. Take a look:
One user wrote:
"Seems like clear delivery but as a Virat Kohli fan it's a no ball"
Another user wrote:
"Why always fixing against RCB."
One user blamed the technology and expressed his heartbreak at Kohli's dismissal:
"Sometimes technology also hurts our emotions. We don't want our hero to get out in this manner. It's heart breaking."
Meanwhile, one user called himself unbiased and termed it a fair delivery:
"Fair delivery I think...I'm not against virat kohli..but actually I feel it's a fair delivery"
Here are a couple of more reactions:
"That's not fair from kohli ...He should have slapped the umpire atleast :( [chuckles]" a user wrote.
"Kohli's early wicket = Easy win for RCB, " another user wrote while trolling Kohli.
Virat Kohli is currently the leading run-scorer in IPL 2024, with 379 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of 150.39, including one ton and two half-centuries. The senior batter will look to continue his purple patch with the bat ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. The ICC showpiece event is scheduled to take place in the US and the West Indies in June.
Will Jacks keeps RCB in hunt for 223-run chase against KKR in IPL 2024
A clinical batting display from Will Jacks has helped RCB stay in the fray for a 223-run-chase against KKR. At the time of writing, they were 122/2 after 10 overs, with Jacks (53 off 29) and Rajat Patidar (39 off 17) at the crease.
Asked to bat first, the Knight Riders posted 222/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Skipper Shreyas Iyer led from the front, scoring 50 off 36, including one six and seven boundaries. Philip Salt provided a flying start, smashing 48 off 14, hitting three maximums and seven boundaries.
Rinku Singh, Andre Russell and Ramandeep Singh provided the late flourish with their quickfire 20s.
Yash Dayal and Lockie Ferguson were the top wicket-takers for RCB, picking up two wickets apiece. Mohammed Siraj and Lockie Ferguson also scalped one wicket each.
Follow the KKR vs RCB IPL 2024 live score and updates here.