Veteran India off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has once again brought attention to the need for improved umpiring standards in Indian domestic cricket. His latest remarks on X were triggered by a moment from the Ranji Trophy match between Madhya Pradesh and Kerala, which reignited the long-standing debate over on-field officiating.
While many fans were focused on a particular “not out” decision from the game, Ashwin chose to address a deeper concern. Instead of singling out the verdict itself, he highlighted the larger issue of an umpire’s attitude and the way appeals are handled during play.
In his post, Ashwin noted that some umpires respond to appeals with an overly casual approach. According to him, this lack of seriousness can dampen the energy and momentum generated by the fielding side. Rather than acknowledging the appeal with a brief pause or reaction, certain umpires immediately turn around and walk back to the bowler to return the cap.
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Ashwin lightened the tone with a humorous remark, saying there is no urgency in rushing to place the cap back on the bowler’s head. However, the humour didn’t mask the underlying frustration he expressed with such indifferent body language from officials.
He emphasized that these seemingly small actions can have a significant impact during long, exhausting sessions of domestic cricket. Players battling through tough spells expect at least a moment of acknowledgment from the umpire when they appeal wholeheartedly.
According to Ashwin, a disinterested response not only undermines the spirit of the contest but also affects the confidence and motivation of the fielding unit. His comments serve as a reminder that professionalism in umpiring extends beyond decisions—it lies equally in attitude, presence, and respect for the effort players put in.