Irfan Pathan explains Virat Kohli's controversial dismissal in IPL 2024 for his fans, video goes viral

The dismissal of ace batter Virat Kohli during Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) nail-biting one-run defeat against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 21st has become a major talking point. Kohli was caught and bowled by Harshit Rana on the very first ball of the third over, but the manner of his dismissal sparked controversy.

Kohli argued that the delivery from Rana was above waist height, and the on-field umpire opted to review the decision with the third umpire, Michael Gough. Replays showed that although the ball was a full toss, it had dipped enough to be ruled a legitimate delivery as Kohli was standing outside his crease.

The former RCB captain was displeased with the decision, engaging in a heated exchange with the umpire before angrily slamming his bat on the boundary rope as he walked off to the dressing room. His dismissal for 18 proved costly in RCB's chase of 223 as they fell short by a run and ended their innings on 221.

Also Read: Navjot Singh Sidhu extends support to Kohli after controversial dismissal vs KKR

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan weighed in on the controversy, supporting the umpire's decision based on the laws of the game. He explained beautifully how Kohli was standing outside the crease at the time of the delivery. Moreover, how the ball was dipping being a 'slower one' variation despite the ball tossed fully over the batter's waist.

"Virat Kohli was standing a little outside his crease and the delivery was a full toss. If it had been a faster delivery it would have gone over the waist but because it was a slower delivery it was dipping. If Virat Kohli was standing at the popping crease the ball would have been lower than his measured waist height, making it a legal delivery, according to me and the rule, it was clear out," he said in the video released for his fans on his 'X' handle.

Check out Irfan Pathan's explanation of Kohli's dismissal here:

This year BCCI has taken photos of each player in IPL 2024 and measured their waist height: Pathan

Furthermore, Irfan Pathan also mentioned that the BCCI (Board for Control of Cricket in India) has measured each IPL player's waist height from the popping crease this year, providing data to determine legal deliveries.

“This year BCCI has taken photos of each player in IPL 2024 and has measured their body weight and waist height. These measurements are done when the player is standing on the popping crease without flexing the knees, so those data have been used here,” he added.

Also Read: Here's why Virat Kohli's dismissal was deemed correct

While Kohli's frustration was understandable in the heat of the moment, the third umpire's decision to utilize technology appears justified based on his positioning outside the crease. The controversy has reignited debates around cricket's laws and umpiring decisions.

Besides, the match itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, Will Jacks and Rajat Patidar's efforts went in vain, as the side registered their seventh defeat of the season. Andre Russell's all-round performance earned him the Player of the Match award.