SL v IND: Master of DRS MS Dhoni gets it wrong this time

Veteran Indian wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni has mastered the art of watching the game with the hawk’s eye. He is one of the wittiest cricketers around and his numbers, when it comes to the success rates in DRS (Decision Review System), remains unmatched. The former Indian skipper rarely gets his call wrong when he goes for the DRS. Hence, it comes as no surprise why the current Indian captain, Virat Kohli, often looks up to MS Dhoni for his suggestion whenever the team is in a position to take a potential review.

It would not be wrong to state that Dhoni remains to the final authority when it comes to taking the DRS calls. Needless to say why the DRS has been fondly been abbreviated as Dhoni Review System by his fans. However, during the fifth and the final ODI of the ongoing India’s tour of Sri Lanka, Dhoni got his call wrong with the DRS.

The rarity with which MSD errs with his call is what made this particular incident a big headline. The action perspired during the Sri Lankan innings. The hosts were already jolted early by a few quick strikes by the Indian bowlers. It was just then that Angelo Mathews and Lahiru Thirimanne tried to stabilize the innings with some rebuilding task.

After having worked well to get set at the crease, Thirimanne went for a sweep shot off the bowling of leggie Yuzvendra Chahal during the middle overs. Thirimanne, who was already batting on 54, held the key to the Sri Lankan chances. The ball pitched in good length area and spun enough to hit the pads of the batsman.

The Indian team appealed straight away but the on-field umpire, Paul Reiffel, ruled it not out. MS Dhoni came in to the picture and was seen having a long discussion with skipper Virat Kohli. They decided to the take the review. The reviews suggested that the impact was outside the stumps and Thirimanne lived another day.