The clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 gripped fans with its intense action. Ultimately, KKR clinched a thrilling victory by just 1 wicket in a match that kept viewers on the edge of their seats.

Controversy erupts over Virat Kohli’s dismissal

The match, filled with memorable moments, was not without its controversies. One such incident involved the dismissal of former RCB captain, Virat Kohli. Kohli’s departure from the crease, caught and bowled by Harshit Rana after a high full toss, stirred a massive debate within the cricket community. While some supported the umpire’s decision, many criticized it vehemently.

Navjot Singh Sidhu joins the debate

Reacting on the same, former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu weighed in on the controversy, siding with Kohli. Sidhu remarked that the ball appeared to be above the waist, echoing Kohli’s sentiments. His statement adds another layer to the ongoing discussion surrounding Kohli’s contentious dismissal.

Sidhu emphasized the importance of upholding rules favoring the game and criticized the decision, labeling the delivery as a beamer. Sidhu argued that such deliveries typically lead to apologies from bowlers and asserted that the ball’s impact with the bat occurred at a height significantly above the waist. He advocated for a change in the rule regarding such instances.

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“Chhati thok ke kahunga not out, rules have been changed, the laws which are in the favour of the game must be upheld. It was a beamer, and whenever a bowler throws a beamer, he usually apologizes and when the impact of the ball occurs with the bat, it is almost 1.5 feet above, so I think the rule should be changed,” said Sidhu said in a video shared by Star Sports.

RCB lose a close encounter

Speaking about the game, RCB encountered a tight one-run loss to KKR in a gripping contest. In their chase of 223, RCB seemed in control initially subsequent to Rajat Patidar and Will Jacks forging a century alliance following the early exits of Kohli and Faf du Plessis.

However, RCB faced a downturn, bringing the match to 21 runs needed in the final over, with Karn Sharma and Mohammed Siraj in the middle. Karn almost pulled the game in favour of RCB as he smashed three sixes off Mitchell Starc. But he was dismissed on the second last delivery, resulting in KKR securing a narrow triumph.

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