Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar strongly voiced his disapproval of the Decision Review System (DRS) after Yashasvi Jaiswal’s contentious dismissal during the fourth Test between India and Australia in Melbourne. Jaiswal’s dismissal, which became a turning point, left many questioning the reliance on technology in cricket.
The Dismissal That Sparked Debate
India’s hopes of salvaging the game rested on Jaiswal, who was batting on 84. However, he was adjudged caught behind off Pat Cummins despite UltraEdge showing no spike as the ball passed his bat and gloves. Third umpire Sharfuddoula Saikat overruled the on-field “not out” decision, citing a deflection visible to the naked eye as evidence.
This controversial call triggered heated debates among fans and experts. The lack of a spike on UltraEdge led many to believe that Jaiswal should not have been given out. Gavaskar, speaking during commentary, argued that the deflection was likely an optical illusion caused by the ball’s trajectory.
Gavaskar’s Criticism of Technology
Gavaskar questioned the purpose of using technology if its evidence is ignored. “If the evidence from technology is not to be trusted, why have it in the first place? This decision was completely wrong. The deviation seemed like an optical illusion. A brand-new ball often creates such effects when it passes near the bat. This needs to be discussed with the umpires and match referee,” Gavaskar remarked on Channel Seven.
He emphasized that decisions should rely on UltraEdge data and not visual interpretation alone. “The batter was standing firm, and UltraEdge showed no spike. If we are to depend on optical illusions instead, then it’s better to stop using technology altogether,” Gavaskar added.
Pivotal Moment in the Match
Jaiswal’s dismissal proved to be the decisive blow for India. After losing three quick wickets post-lunch, India’s chances of securing a draw depended on Jaiswal and his partner, Washington Sundar. However, his wicket with over 17 overs remaining opened the floodgates for Australia. Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, and Nathan Lyon quickly dismantled India’s lower order, securing a 184-run victory for the hosts and a 2-1 lead in the series.
The Broader Question
Gavaskar’s comments have reignited the debate about the reliability of DRS and its implementation. With one Test remaining in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India must regroup quickly to retain the trophy, which they have held since 2014-15.
The controversy surrounding Jaiswal’s dismissal has not only left Indian fans frustrated but also raised important questions about how cricket balances technology with human judgment.
