IPL 2024| Twitter erupts over Nitin Menon's perplexing decision granting Mumbai unfair advantage
Umpires are the guardians of cricket's fairness, but poor officiating can erode trust in the game's integrity. This issue came to the fore during the Mumbai Indians versus Royal Challengers Bengaluru match where an umpiring call by Nitin Menon resulted in an unjust advantage for the home team.
Opting to field after winning the toss proved advantageous for the Mumbai Indians, particularly during the powerplay. Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Madhwal swiftly dismissed Virat Kohli and Will Jacks, setting a promising tone. Despite this setback, Faf du Plessis and Rajat Patidar steadied the ship for the visiting team, constructing an impressive 82-run partnership. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru faced continued adversity as they lost Patidar and Glenn Maxwell during the middle overs, leaving the scorecard at 149/4 by the 16th over. The turning point occurred in the 17th over where the on-field umpire, Nitin Menon sought assistance from the third umpire following a contentious wicket claim by the Mumbai fielders.
On the second delivery of the 17th over, Jasprit Bumrah delivered a full-length ball outside off stump. The Proteas attempting a down-the-ground shot missed the ball entirely allowing Mumbai's wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan to collect the white rock. Both Kishan and Bumrah appealed fervently but with no reviews left for the home side captain Hardik Pandya was unable to challenge the decision.
In a surprising turn, Menon wished to check for a possible nicke, and referred the decision to the TV umpire Virender Sharma. Despite the absence of a formal review, UltraEdge technology determined that there was no contact between bat and ball, with the sound heard being the bat hitting the ground. However, the decision to involve the third umpire without a legitimate DRS review raised eyebrows, suggesting potential bias towards the home team.
The Twitter community expressed confusion and criticism over Menon's decision, questioning its fairness and perceived unaware advantage to the Mumbai Indians.
— Debi Cha (@ChaDebi95756) April 11, 2024
May be!
Basic "common sense" of umpire to check the 4's and catches if person is near rope...
— Divya.D💛🦁 (@divz_tweetz) April 11, 2024
Why should a 4 be reviewed by a team it's umpires job to check😂.. Common sense left the chat I guess.
Well without review left faf's catch was checked🥱🥱
Yeah! Umpire's review!
Wrong projection.. MI used Two reviews only.
— S A B A R I 🤘 (@itssabariiii) April 11, 2024
One used for Rajat patidar in madhwal over
One used for faf in bumrah over. https://t.co/ERZTRD9iJe
MI didn't review!
No review left for @mipaltan still taken review on faf ,money can buy anything #MIvsRCB
— Channu (@Channu85803326) April 11, 2024
He was checking for a catch for himself!
How the hell the umpire gone for upstairs for wicket were MI don't have any review? 🤨😬.#MIvsRCB #IPL2024 #Faf pic.twitter.com/5ulWYkkZ2P
— Voice Of Mine (@voiceofmine007) April 11, 2024
Just Umpire's review!
Abe ye review kaise Mila MI ko ? #RCBvsMI #Faf
— Abhishek. (@abhi_d7) April 11, 2024
Uffff!
First 3Rd Review for MI
— Krishnendu Ghosh (@Krishne59353468) April 11, 2024
Now This No Ball...
Top Level Umpiring...
Tmkc umpire
Relaxxxx!!!!
What's Going On 🤯
— Khabri_Prasang (@Prasang_) April 11, 2024
1. When it's four But umpire check & don't give.
2. When MI Have no review left that time MI appeal & umpire take review.
3.Lomror Given LBW That Ball Going With Angle & It's miss the stumps but third umpire another idea 🤡🤯#RCBvsMI #Bumrah #MIvRCB pic.twitter.com/SgPnsP3beF
Yenu?
Mi avru appeal madidakke umpair out kotta , matte RCB review tagondiddu
— Rishik Yadav⚡ (@Rishik__S) April 11, 2024
Read cricbuzz commentary!
Boom Boom.
— Guri𝕏 (@Guri4Pbks) April 11, 2024
But why MI got 3 reviews??🥴