Aaron Finch BREAKS Silence on Virat Kohli’s Controversial No-Ball Dismissal in IPL 2024

Kolkata: Virat Kohli’s dismissal against Kolkata Knight Riders last week created a massive controversy over whether he was out or not – or, whether it was a no-ball or not. The third umpire was called into play and Kohli was given out. He departed for 18 off seven balls. After his dismissal, he also got into an heated argument with the on-field umpires. Australian cricketer Aaron Finch, who is part of the broadcasting team of the IPL, broke his silence on the snowballing issue.

When asked about his stance on the episode, Finch said initially, he too thought it was out. But then, he was happy how technology came into the picture and ensured the right call was made.

“Initially, it looked out where he makes contact with the ball based on where he is in the crease. Yes, it was above his waist. I was always under the impression that it is taken from where the batter is standing, but I think it has been clarified really well. It was a clear-cut decision, the measurements are taken before the tournament starts. I think the right decision was made in the end. But again, there were so much confusion which caused so many opinions. No one is on the fence on this – you are either this side or that,” Finch said while responding to India.com query on Star Sports ‘Press Room’.

“I do not think there is over-reliance on technology. I think the right decisions are being made. I think the umpiring standards need to improve so that the technology does not have to be used,” he added further.

The Rule: 

Virat was indeed out as per the official rule book. The rule states that for a delivery to be considered a no ball, the ball must be at waist height as it crosses the stepping crease. In Kohli’s situation, while the ball was at waist height when he encountered it, as it crossed the stepping crease, it was below waist height, making it a fair delivery basis the official rule