KL Rahul’s controversial dismissal on Day 1 of the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium has become the focus of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The incident, when Rahul was batting on 26, involved a contentious third-umpire decision. It left the Indian wicketkeeper-batter frustrated. Fans took to social media. They were outraged. They believed the evidence was too weak to overturn the on-field decision.
KL Rahul’s Dismissal: What Happened?
In the 41st over of India’s innings, Mitchell Starc bowled a delivery that made two sounds as it passed Rahul. Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey caught the ball. The on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal. However, Starc convinced his captain Pat Cummins to go for a review.
The DRS showed a spike on the UltraEdge (Snicko) as the ball passed the bat. So, the third umpire overturned the on-field decision and declared Rahul out. However, the replays lacked a front-on camera angle. It could not show if the bat hit the ball or just brushed the pad. This left doubt.
Rahul, visibly unhappy with the decision, walked off the field shaking his head. The dismissal has sparked debates among cricket analysts and fans. Many question the third umpire’s reliance on Snicko without more evidence.
Social Media Outrage Over KL Rahul’s Controversial Dismissal
The decision sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Fans were divided over whether Rahul should have been out. The lack of proof sparked heated debates. Some called for better tech in such crucial moments.
Here’s what fans had to say:
- “KL Rahul’s dismissal is a prime example of why front-on replays must always be available. That was inconclusive!”
- “Two noises, no front-on angle, and yet they give him out? Shocking decision.”
- “KL deserved the benefit of the doubt. This is poor officiating in a high-stakes game.”
Despite the controversy, Australia’s bowlers used the momentum. They put India under immense pressure on Day 1.
KL Rahul Shaking his head in disbelief.#INDvsAUS #KLRahul #INDvAUS #AUSvsIND #AUSvIND #IndiavsAustralia pic.twitter.com/cEhyUzyUb6
— A & K🇮🇳 (@badjocker1020) November 22, 2024
India’s Struggles Continue in the First Innings
In Perth, India’s top order had a nightmare start. Stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah chose to bat first. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Devdutt Padikkal fell for ducks in the first four overs. Both were dismissed by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, respectively. Virat Kohli followed soon after, scoring just 5 runs before falling to Hazlewood.
By the time KL Rahul left the field after his controversial out, India was 4 down for 51 runs. The debutants—Nitish Kumar Reddy and Harshit Rana—must now help. They must join the experienced middle-order batter Rishabh Pant. India is in a tough spot.
Key Debutants in the Perth Test
The series opener features three debutants—two for India and one for Australia. Nitish Kumar Reddy, an all-rounder, and Harshit Rana, a right-arm seamer, are making their Test debuts for India. For Australia, Nathan McSweeney has earned his maiden cap as a top-order batter.
Reddy and Rana should boost India’s lower-middle order and bowling. McSweeney’s inclusion adds depth to Australia’s strong lineup.
Playing XIs for India and Australia
India Playing XI:
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Dhruv Jurel
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Washington Sundar
- Harshit Rana
- Jasprit Bumrah (c)
- Mohammed Siraj
Australia Playing XI:
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
Final Thoughts
KL Rahul’s controversial out was overshadowed by a tough day for India in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the top order faltering again, India must post a good first-innings total. It’s an uphill battle. Ruling Rahul out, despite inconclusive evidence, will spark DRS debates. It will be a talking point for days.
Now, all eyes will be on India’s lower order and the debutants. They must stabilize the innings and fight back against a dominant Australian attack.
