Kumar Dharmasena’s DRS cheating sparked a major controversy on Day 1 of the 5th Test between India and England at The Oval. The incident unfolded quickly. A viral image showed Dharmasena making a hand gesture, seemingly indicating an inside edge. As a result, fans accused him of influencing England’s decision not to take a DRS review.
Immediately, cricket lovers reacted online. They posted clips and screenshots capturing the moment. Many fans believed Dharmasena crossed a line. They argued that he indirectly helped England avoid a costly DRS mistake. Therefore, the umpire’s actions faced heavy criticism.
Specifically, the controversy centered around Indian batter Sai Sudharsan. During a key delivery, the ball struck his pad. The fielding side appealed for LBW. Just before England could consider a review, Dharmasena appeared to make a subtle hand motion suggesting bat involvement. As a result, England skipped the DRS. The decision did not come out. However, replays showed there was no edge. This immediately fueled cheating accusations.
Consequently, fans took to social media in large numbers. They demanded clarity from the ICC. Some even called for disciplinary action against the umpire. Meanwhile, cricket experts joined the debate. They emphasized that umpires must remain neutral and should never guide fielding teams on reviews.
Additionally, former players voiced their concerns. They stated that gestures from on-field umpires, intentional or not, can mislead teams and affect match outcomes. Therefore, they urged the ICC to address the issue and review existing umpiring protocols.
Moreover, the footage and Image of Dharmasena’s gesture spread rapidly. It dominated cricket discussions throughout the day. The internet is alive with memes, slow-motion clips, and insightful commentary. Fans kept questioning whether this was a one-off incident or part of a larger pattern. The match itself took a backseat as the debate intensified.
Although the match resumed without pause, the controversy did not die down. India regrouped, while England continued to push forward. Still, all eyes remained on the umpiring. Viewers kept watching closely for any further irregularities.
So far, the ICC has not released an official statement. Neither the match referee nor Dharmasena himself has addressed the issue publicly. However, fans continue to demand accountability. They expect clear communication and transparency in decisions, especially during high-stakes matches like this one.
In conclusion, Kumar Dharmasena’s DRS cheating allegations have cast a shadow over the ongoing Test match. The dubious hand signal during Sudharsan’s LBW appeal has sparked significant worries regarding fairness and integrity. Unless officials take swift action or clarify the situation, doubts about umpiring neutrality will continue to grow. For now, cricket fans remain frustrated, and the debate over DRS and umpire conduct is far from over.
