In a dramatic IPL showdown at Eden Gardens, the Kolkata Knight Riders narrowly clinched a victory against the Royal Challengers Bangalore by just one run, an outcome that has become mired in controversy. The match, which concluded with KKR taking two crucial points, is once again in the news for a contentious boundary call on the penultimate delivery of the 17th over that has since sparked significant debate among fans and analysts alike.
The moment occurred when Suyash Prabhudessai of RCB hit a shot towards the fine-leg boundary off Varun Chakravarthy's bowling. Although the on-field umpires signaled it as a four, replays and fan reactions suggested that the ball may have actually crossed the boundary for a six. This decision has raised questions about the accuracy of the on-field calls and whether a more thorough review should have been conducted.
Here is a video of the ball in question:
The situation has intensified discussions, especially given the narrow margin of the final score, with RCB losing by just one run in their chase of 223 runs. Fans and commentators have pointed out that if the shot by Prabhudessai had been accurately awarded six points instead of four, it could have reversed the outcome of the match.
Following the game, there has been an uproar on social media with fans dissecting the footage and arguing that the ball had indeed passed over the boundary rope, and thus should have been declared a six. This incident has led to criticisms of the IPL's officiating standards, with calls for increased transparency and the use of technology to ensure accurate decisions.
The match itself was a thrilling encounter, with both teams displaying formidable batting performances. However, Virat Kohli’s dismissal was another pivotal moment that fans cite as a significant turning point. The controversy surrounding the boundary decision only added to the frustrations of RCB supporters, who felt that their team was short-changed at a crucial juncture.
As of now, neither IPL officials nor the match referees have issued a statement regarding the incident, leaving fans waiting for an official response or clarification.