‘Quite pathetic’ - Kris Srikkanth lashes out at umpiring howlers in IPL 2022

Former BCCI chief selector Kris Srikkanth has lashed out at the umpiring howlers in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. On Tuesday (April 19), during the game between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore, Josh Hazlewood got away with a wide ball and the same left the cricket world in shock. The Australian pacer bowled the delivery way outside the tramline but the stand-in umpire didn’t raise his arms.

On-strike batter Marcus Stoinis was evidently frustrated with the decision as this incident happened in the penultimate over the game. It proved to be a turning point as the Aussie all-rounder was dismissed off the very next delivery and it was smooth sailing for RCB afterwards. Srikkanth didn’t mince his words while criticizing the umpires as he urged the officials to wake up.

What is happening with the umpiring in the IPL: Kris Srikkanth

“What is happening with the umpiring @IPL , it’s quite pathetic and small bad decisions lead to big outcomes! Wake up and put some people who actually can be a ref! #RCBvsLSG,” tweeted the former Indian opener.

Meanwhile, the umpires in IPL 2022 have found themselves in hot waters on few more occasions. During a game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals, opener Ajinkya Rahane was wrongly adjudged out in the first two deliveries of the innings but the review saved him. In other instance, Virat Kohli was controversially adjudged LBW even with the decision going to the third umpire.

Hence, Srikkanth is not amused with these howlers and he expressed the same in his tweet. Meanwhile, RCB recorded a 18-run victory in the game as LSG failed to chase down 182 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai.

Skipper Faf du Plessis was the chief architect of RCB’s triumph as he scored a 64-ball 96 despite a top-order collapse. He was also adjudged the Player of the Match. Pacer Josh Hazlewood was the stand-out performer with the ball as he scalped a four-wicket haul.