In Match 4 of IPL 2023 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Sunrisers Hyderabad had a difficult start at home against Rajasthan Royals, last year’s runner-up. Despite chasing a mammoth 204, they lost both Abhishek Sharma and Rahul Tripathi in the opening over and were reduced to 0/2.
Trent Boult contributed to this disastrous start by bowling a double-maiden over, giving RR a perfect start to their defense. Boult’s first wicket was Abhishek Sharma, which he took through his own brilliance. However, his second wicket, of dangerous Tripathi, was largely due to Jason Holder’s sharpness at slip.
Tripathi tried to slice a full-length delivery outside off stump but ended up guiding it between the keeper and second slip. However, Holder stretched his left hand as much as possible and grabbed it to complete an incredible catch. While everyone around him reacted wildly, Tripathi remained unmoved, assuming it was a bump ball.
Tripathi decided to challenge the on-field umpire’s decision after discussing it with him. However, the replay on the big screen showed that he had clearly guided the ball straight to slip without any bounce. The TV umpire had no hesitation in confirming the on-field umpire’s decision.
Tripathi’s bizarre decision to take DRS, despite the little doubt about his dismissal, drew a lot of criticism on social media.