The Joe Root DRS controversy at Lord’s has once again sparked debate about the accuracy of modern cricket technology. In a Test between England and India at Lord’s, a big moment stirred up drama. Joe Root survived an LBW appeal that looked plumb to the naked eye. However, ball-tracking showed the delivery missing the stumps. As expected, the decision shocked many fans and experts. But it was Sunil Gavaskar’s reaction that truly grabbed headlines.
During England’s innings, Jasprit Bumrah unleashed a blazing delivery aimed at Root. The ball hit Root’s pad, and India appealed. The on-field umpire gave it not out. Some players were confident it was hitting the stumps and reviewed the decision. However, the DRS ball-tracking showed the ball going over the stumps. As a result, Root remained not out. This call didn’t sit well with Gavaskar, who was doing commentary at the time.
Soon after the replays were shown, Gavaskar voiced his doubts. He said, “It looked like it was crashing into the middle stump.” He questioned how the tracker showed it bouncing over, by commenting he also added, “The impact was between off and middle stump, and you are saying that it is going to miss the leg stump? No way that the ball is going to move that much.” According to him, even Joe Root seemed surprised the ball had missed the stumps.
Gavaskar didn’t stop there. He hinted at inconsistencies in the DRS technology. “There have been too many of these lately,” he added, suggesting the system may not always be reliable. Gavaskar’s comments echoed what many fans were feeling. Social media lit up with posts and memes criticizing the decision. Some even called for a review of the ball-tracking technology itself.
Many believed that India lost a crucial moment in the game because of this error. After all, Root was on just 5 runs at that time and could have been a big wicket. Those moments can turn the tide of a match.
Experts and fans have questioned the DRS before. Similar controversies have emerged in past series as well. Although the system aims to reduce umpiring errors, it still has flaws. With experts like Gavaskar speaking up, the ICC might need to address this growing concern. After all, trust in technology is key to the game’s future.
The Joe Root DRS controversy at Lord’s might be just one decision in a long Test match. However, it highlights a deeper issue. When players, fans, and legends start doubting the system, it’s time to reflect. Whether it was a one-off glitch or a bigger flaw, one thing is clear: cricket needs consistency in its technology.
