IPL 2021: Ex-cricketers, fans slam third umpire for declining KL Rahul's crucial catch during PBKS vs KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders endured a tough five-wicket defeat against Punjab Kings on Friday. Chasing a stiff 166, Punjab got off to a solid start but with 15 required in the final two overs the team got a lucky reprieve.  

Their skipper KL Rahul, who at that moment was playing on 62 off 52 balls, struck the ball towards the deep mid-wicket region as Rahul Tripathi dived forward to complete a superb catch. However, after plenty of pondering the TV umpire ruled the decision against KKR, which prolonged KL's stay in the middle as he hit another boundary before finally being removed by Venkatesh Iyer in the final over. 

Soon after the conclusion of the match, members of the cricket fraternity and fans took to Twitter calling out the decision by the third umpire as incorrect. Former India women's cricket captain Anjum Chopra and cricketer Abhinav Mukund questioned the decision and wrote: 

That was a catch for me by Rahul Tripathi. #KKR #IPL2021 #KKRvPBKS — Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) October 1, 2021

How is that not out? #IPL2021 #PBKS #KKRvPBKS — Abhinav mukund (@mukundabhinav) October 1, 2021

What is your take on this catch.#KKRvPBKS pic.twitter.com/09nSqvLppb

— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) October 1, 2021

Meanwhile, the fans also took a dig against the third-umpire and posted hilarious memes slamming the decision. Here are a few reactions: 

Fingers were under the ball clearly. If this is not out , umpire knows nothing about the cricket.#IPL2021 pic.twitter.com/37yyllxFqp — Sunil The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) October 1, 2021

#KKRvPBKS Kolkata vs Punjab KKR

Even K L Rahul cannot believe it, he is given not out. pic.twitter.com/xcAf4HeHJf — How Football Saved Humans - Great Book to Read (@HowHumans) October 1, 2021

Third umpiring leaving his room after giving Not Out to that catch pic.twitter.com/QlbSjZD60D

— Kanav Bali (@Concussion__Sub) October 1, 2021

Sunil Gavaskar said it's out because finger under ball
Kevin Pietersen said it's out because finger under ball
Bishop said it's out because finger under the ball

But but T.v umpire said it's not out  .. — Soni Raj Singh #FarmersLivesMatter (@SRKkiSoni) October 1, 2021

Punjab eventually completed the chase with three balls to spare and toppled defending champions Mumbai Indians on the points table. The team currently sit at the fifth position with 10 points from 12 matches.