VIDEO | Rohit and Kohli don’t consult DRS with Dhoni; get review wrong

It is undeniable that India have always looked a much sharper and dangerous side in the limited-overs format when MS Dhoni has stood behind the wickets for them. His ability to read the game, pitch, and the batsman’s mind has helped India tremendously on numerous occasions. Though Dhoni could get directly involved in only one dismissal (Kagiso Rabada) on Thursday in the first innings on Thursday, his presence was as infectious as ever. Even Kuldeep Yadav, who took 3 wickets for 34 runs, sending most of the South African batsmen packing single-handedly, credited the former skipper for his priceless tips from time to time from behind the stumps. 

Despite losing the toss and being asked to field first on a batting-friendly wicket, Indian bowlers enjoyed a good purchase as South Africa were reduced to a paltry 134/5 in the 28th over itself with the prospect of a huge target seeming bleak. 

The incident in question occurred in the 36th over. With South Africa struggling at 169/5, Kohli was looking to wrap things up fast and when Jasprit Bumrah’s attempted yorker breezed past Chris Morris’ legs, the over-excited pair of Kohli and Rohit came to the middle of the pitch with a loud appeal. It looked like an edge initially with a sound confusing everyone furthermore.

After Dhoni’s facial reaction, which clearly had ‘close shave’ written all over it, pretty much assured the viewers of a not out, the umpire confidently signalled a wide ball. However, Rohit and Kohli discussed with each other and decided to disregard their skipper's hunch, who has a record of almost never getting things wrong from behind the stumps, and went for a review. Later, UltraEdge showed that there was no wave whatsoever as the ball whooshed past Morris’ bat and legs. It was a cheap waste of review more than anything else.