Currently, Ravichandran Ashwin is managing the Dindigul Dragons in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). The Dragons failed to qualify for the playoffs last season, finishing sixth with only two victories in seven games. Ashwin’s squad began the TNPL 2023 season with a win over Ba11sy Trichy in their inaugural match.
On the fifth delivery of the thirteenth over, Ashwin appealed for caught behind off his own bowling, and the on-field umpire declared R Rajkumar of Trichy out. The batter was dissatisfied with the call, so he sent it up for review. The third umpire interpreted the spike on the Ultra-edge as a bat striking the ground. The judgement on the pitch was reversed, and Rajkumar was declared not out.
Ravichandran Ashwin was therefore dissatisfied with the decision and promptly signalled for another review. Interestingly, the commentator believes that it contributed to the TNPL’s global recognition.
“Ashwin Anna’s minor incident has put TNPL on the world map. He was delivering very well, had taken a wicket, and there was an appeal for a second wicket, but the umpire ruled it out,” Chopra wrote on his YouTube channel.
“Ashwin and everyone else were satisfied, but the batter requested an evaluation.
The third umpire was exceptional. He followed the protocol, examined all angles, and determined that the ball had not reached the bat at the time of the spike because the bat had struck the ground. He performed admirably as an arbiter and ruled that the ball was not out,” he continued.
On the replays, a strike occurred before the ball reached the bat. In addition, after the projectile passed the bat, a spike occurred.
When TNPL officials reflect back, I believe they will conclude that this option was unavailable: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra disclosed that he was perplexed when he witnessed the on-field umpire permit Ravichandran Ashwin to counter-review the call.
“Ashwin stated he wished to examine it once more. He read a review, and it also occurred. It is beyond my comprehension. When the TNPL executives look back, I believe they will conclude that this option was unavailable,” the former Indian opener explained.
“You can’t do it. There are numerous factors why you must complete the review within 15 seconds. The review was conducted, and the third umpire explained his reasoning with due diligence. Chopra concluded, “Now you are reviewing the third umpire’s reasoning and asking him to be the sole judge.”
In 14.5 overs, the Dindigul Dragons eventually chased down the target of 121 runs, prevailing by six wickets. On Sunday, they will now encounter Siechem Madurai Panthers.