Virat Kohli’s No-ball Controversy, Kaif Calls It “Unplayable Beamer”

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif reacted on Virat Kohli’s no-ball controversy. He criticized the umpiring decision that removed Royal Challengers Bangalore’s Virat Kohli during their IPL 2024 match against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Kohli, who was in fine form with two sixes in his quick innings of 18 runs off seven balls, was caught and bowled by Harshit Rana. The dismissal, however, was fraught with debate because the ball appeared to be a beamer that extended above Kohli’s waist.

Kaif took to social media to express his severe dissatisfaction of the decision. He maintained that the delivery was a “unplayable beamer” and chastised the umpires for their inconsistent decisions, citing a previous incident in which MS Dhoni was ruled a wide despite the ball passing under his bat.

“Unplayable beamer gets Kohli out, but a ball that goes under Dhoni’s bat is a wide? Cameras, replays, technology… yet such mistakes happen. Poor umpiring,” Kaif wrote.

Kohli’s Frustration Boils Over After Contentious Dismissal

The dismissal clearly left Kohli fuming. Known for his explosive temper, the top batsmen questioned the call with the on-field umpires and even asked for a review. But the third umpire upheld the first call, which clearly infuriated Kohli.

Kohli was spotted yelling at the umpires and rushing off the field after being furious with the decision. Before losing control and smashing his bat to the ground and hurling his gloves at a nearby garbage can, he even asked one of the umpires questions.

The IPL umpiring standards have come under fire as a result of this occurrence, with many fans and commentators echoing Kaif’s worries. The controversy surrounding Kohli’s dismissal has highlighted how crucial precise and consistent calling is in high-stakes games.