The Indian Premier League (IPL) has often been marred by controversies. There have been games that have witnessed bizarre dismissals. It has led to chaos and controversies in equal measures.
StumpsandBails brings to you the 5 most controversial IPL dismissals of all-time.
#5 Amit Mishra ruled out obstructing the field (2019)
The eliminator game of IPL 2019 was all set for a thrilling last-over finish. It became even more interesting when veteran spinner Amit Mishra was ruled out obstructing the field. Delhi Capitals needed just two runs in 4 balls to book a place in the semi-final. On the third ball, Amit Mishra tried to take a cheeky single but he ended up running in front of the stumps. Khaleel Ahmed’s throw hit him on his arm. The Orange Army appealed to the umpires regarding Amit’s deliberate running in front of the stumps and the third umpire ruled in favour of Sunrisers Hyderabad.
#4 David Warner’s dismissal (2020)
The IPL eliminator featuring Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bangalore was a highly controversial affair. SRH were chasing a below-par total of 132 against RCB. David Warner, the SRH captain got into an awkward position while facing a delivery by Mohammed Siraj. The ball passed between Warner’s bat and legs and keeper De Villiers’ pouched it safely. However, it seemed that the ball might have touched something on its way.
There was no conclusive evidence to infer anything. The on-field umpire negated RCB’s appeal and adjudged Warner not-out. However, RCB opted for DRS and the third umpire overturned the decision of the on-field umpire and gave Warner out. This sparked a debate since the third umpire didn’t have enough conclusive proof to overturn the on-field decision.
#3 Yusuf Pathan’s bizarre obstructing the field dismissal (IPL 2013)
Yusuf Pathan was going great guns for Kolkata Knight Riders against Pune Warriors India in IPL 2013. He was batting at 72 runs off 44 balls. Pathan was all set for a big finish when in the 18th over he hit a yorker from Wayne Parnell. He tried to sneak in a single. Running towards the non-striker’s end, Pathan pushed the ball away with his foot before Parnell could grab it and hit towards the stumps. This incident caught the attention of the opposition players and they appealed to the on-field umpire.
After a thorough discussion, the on-field umpires, Nigel Llong and K Srinath concluded that Yusuf had intentionally kicked the ball to save his wicket. Hence he was asked to head back to the pavilion. This was the first instance when a player was ruled out obstructing the field in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
#2 MS Dhoni run-out in IPL 2019 final
Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings were battling it out in IPL 2019 final for the most successful IPL team crown. The game was evenly poised during CSK’s run-chase. Dhoni had just started to take control of the chase. And then came the major turning point in the game.
Dhoni tried picking a close single and a direct hit was affected against him. The third umpire was summoned to take the call. He had no conclusive evidence to declare him out but the third umpire did just that and sent Dhoni back to the pavilion. This dismissal caused a huge uproar on social media. Needless to say, Dhoni fans went berserk and alleged foul play.
#1 Ravichandran Ashwin-Jos Buttler (2019)
Ravichandran Ashwin has always been a vocal supporter of running out the batsmen before the ball is delivered. He believes that the batsman should not be having an added advantage. Hence it came as no surprise that Ashwin chose to run Jos Buttler out in IPL 2019. These kinds of dismissal are referred to as being Mankad. This dismissal led to widespread criticism of Ashwin. But the experts of the game including Sunil Gavaskar and Ian Bishop lauded Ashwin’s effort. This dismissal wins the title of being the most controversial IPL dismissal of all-time.
