Controversy Erupts Over Jaiswal's Disputed Dismissal at MCG: Gavaskar and BCCI Vice President Speak Out
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New Delhi, Dec 30 (NationPress) The exhilarating final day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG was clouded by a questionable dismissal of Indian batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal. The ruling, handed down by the third umpire after a contentious DRS review, provoked significant backlash from cricketing icons and officials, with Sunil Gavaskar and BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla at the forefront denouncing what they labeled a 'wrong decision'.
Jaiswal, who was fighting hard with a score of 84 off 208 balls, appeared to be India's main chance to secure a draw against Australia's persistent bowling. The controversy ignited when he attempted a hook shot against a short-pitched delivery from Pat Cummins that veered down the leg side.
Initially, on-field umpire Joel Wilson ruled Jaiswal not out following Australia’s appeal for a caught-behind dismissal. However, Australian captain Cummins quickly opted for the Decision Review System (DRS), challenging the on-field ruling.
The third umpire, Sharfuddoula Saikat, examined the available data. Even though the Snickometer indicated no spike as the ball passed Jaiswal’s bat and gloves, the television umpire based his decision on visual evidence of a slight deflection from Jaiswal’s right index finger and a supposed change in the ball's trajectory. Consequently, Sharfuddoula overturned the on-field decision, declaring Jaiswal out.
Sunil Gavaskar was harsh in his assessment of the third umpire’s ruling. While speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar remarked, 'If you are using technology, then use technology only. What I observe is an optical illusion. Snicko is a straight line. Therefore, it is absolutely not out. In my view, this is not out. This is a wrong decision. Completely wrong decision. If you are going to rely on optical illusions, then don't use technology at all. It's that simple.'
BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla also expressed his discontent on 'X', stating, 'Yashaswi Jaiswal was clearly not out. The third umpire should have acknowledged what technology indicated. There should be solid justifications for overruling the field umpire.'
Jaiswal appeared visibly upset with the ruling. After a brief discussion with the on-field umpires, he made his way back to the pavilion, having scored 84 off 208.
Five-time ICC umpire of the year Simon Taufel commented on Channel Seven that Sharfuddoula was correct in his decision to rule Jaiswal out. 'With the technology we have, there is a hierarchy. If there is a clear deflection off the bat, there is no need to delve deeper into any other form of technology to establish the case. The clear deflection serves as conclusive evidence.'
Former Australian cricketer Simon Katich, while doing commentary on SEN cricket, stated, 'Clearly out. I can't believe Snicko hasn't indicated anything.'
This incident was not the first instance of DRS decisions facing scrutiny during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In the opening Test held in Perth, KL Rahul’s dismissal also ignited controversy when third umpire Richard Illingworth overturned an on-field decision without access to a split-screen view that could have clarified if the ball touched Rahul’s bat or merely his pads.
