Sri Lanka v India, 1st Test, Day 4 - Time has come for BCCI to accept DRS

Over 26.4, Day 3, Sri Lanka’s second innings: Dinesh Chandimal attempted a sweep shot against Ravichandran Ashwin but the ball had taken the toe end of the bat before clipping the helmet to be caught by the backward short leg fielder. Single-angle-replay showed that the ball had indeed taken some bat on its away, but the umpire was unmoved. Chandimal was batting on 5 and had DRS was available the story might have been different.

Over 27.3, Day 3, Sri Lanka’s second innings: Thirimanne was beaten by Amit Mishra’s fast legbreak and the ball popped up to the fielder at silly point off the front foot. The Indians made a loud appeal, but it was turned down by umpire Nigel Llong. The replays gave the evidence of a thick inside edge. The presence of DRS would have been beneficial.

Over 29.3, Day 3, Sri Lanka’s second innings: Dinesh Chandimal attempted a drive against Amit Mishra, but the ball popped off the boot of the silly point fielder to be caught by the bowler.   The third umpire was called for and despite no evidence that the ball had touched the ground, he ruled in favour of the batsmen. The existence of DRS would have been effective here.

According to cricinfo,  “The umpires in the Galle Test made at least six decisions that would have been overturned by DRS; four of these decisions would not have needed the ball-tracker projection, which is the major bone of contention for the BCCI". 

The decisions made by the umpires on day 3 had cost India badly. India’s advancement in technology has been staggering. Their talents are ruling the rooster in Microsoft and Google, but it is sad to witness the reluctant attitude of BCCI regarding DRS. The time has come for BCCI to accept the use of DRS as soon as possible. They should not shun technology by any means.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar