DRS just an overused tactic for self preservation, still don’t trust it, opines Ian Chappell

"There was a time when the BCCI distrusted the DRS. I'm no longer in lock-step with the BCCI on this because I still don't have much faith in the DRS. It struggles to achieve at least two of the ICC's prime objectives: arriving at the correct decision and eradicating the howler. So long as there are a finite number of reviews, it can never be guaranteed to achieve those goals. In its current form, it's mostly used to review 50/50 decisions, is occasionally employed as a tactic, and is overused in the interests of self-preservation. Umpiring decisions should never be part of cricket's tactical battles," Ian Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.

Citing the ongoing series between England and West Indies, Chappell recalled how Richard Kettleborough’s decisions were overturned on Day 2 of the Southampton Test. Chappell added that the DRS is a tactic that has been overused to the extent of manipulation.

"The look of disdain on the face of umpire Richard Kettleborough after three of his decisions were overturned early on Day two of the first Test between England and West Indies, was ample proof of his feelings about the system at that moment. My sympathies were with Kettleborough, one of the better umpires on the international panel. And with the return to a third review in the pandemic era, there are signs the system is being manipulated."