ENG vs IND 2025: ‘Whenever India bowl, he feels it’s not out’ – Ravichandran Ashwin criticises Paul Reiffel for poor umpiring decisions

The ongoing third Test between India and England at Lord’s has included some poor umpiring decisions, particularly those made by Australian umpire Paul Reiffel. On Day 4 of the match, with the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series tied at 1-1, various decisions drew criticism from both former players and fans.

Ravichandran Ashwin, a former Indian off-spinner, blamed Reiffel for a trend of judgements against India. On his YouTube account Ash ki Baat, Ashwin discussed his encounter with the senior umpire.

“My interaction with Paul Reiffel… I want to talk to him. I’m not saying I should tell him to hand it out. It isn’t like that. When India bowls, he always thinks it’s not out. When India bats, he always believes it’s out. If it is not against India but against all teams, the ICC must look into it,” he remarked.

My father informed me that when Paul Reiffel comes, India will not win: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin became stressed out at two points. He began by discussing Reiffel’s decision to put down Mohammed Siraj’s confident LBW plea against Joe Root, despite replays indicating that the ball would have nicked the leg stump. The decision remained with the umpire due to the ‘umpire’s call’ rule under DRS. Later in the day, Shubman Gill was controversially declared caught behind by Reiffel off Brydon Carse, despite DRS replays revealing no contact with the bat. Ashwin also commented on another judgement that involved a significant gap between bat and ball.

“I own a sedan that I can park in the gap between the bat and the ball. It’s obvious it wasn’t out. However, this is not the first time. My father was watching the match alongside me. And he informed me, “When Paul Reiffel comes, India will not win.” Even Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain agreed that the umpires could have been more harsh with players who were taking their time,” he continued.

Anil Kumble, the former India captain and great spinner, too commented on Reiffel’s actions. “It appears Paul Reiffel has decided that it will not be released. “Anything close, not out,” Kumble stated on air.