Hyderabad: In a recent turn of events during the first Test against Bangladesh, former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his support for Virat Kohli following an unfortunate and controversial dismissal. On the second day of the Chennai Test, Kohli, one of India’s premier batsmen, was adjudged LBW (leg before wicket). However, replays and the Snickometer (snicko) technology clearly indicated that Kohli had indeed edged the ball, showing a noticeable deflection. Despite this evidence, Kohli chose not to utilize the Decision Review System (DRS), missing a crucial opportunity to challenge the umpire’s decision and save his wicket.

This decision sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many questioning why the seasoned cricketer didn’t opt for a review. At 35 years old, Kohli’s strategic choices are often scrutinized, and this incident was no exception. Sanjay Manjrekar, another respected figure in Indian cricket, took to social media platform ‘X’ to offer his perspective. Manjrekar suggested that Kohli’s decision to forego the DRS might have been a selfless act, aimed at preserving the review for his teammates in what could be considered a strategic move.

Unfortunately, Kohli’s performance in this match was below his usual high standards; he managed to score only 6 runs in the first innings and 16 in the second. This underwhelming outing further amplified the frustration among fans and critics alike.

In cricket, the use of DRS has often been a topic of debate. Players must decide quickly whether to contest an umpire’s call, balancing their personal judgment against technology’s assistance. In this case, Kohli’s reluctance to use DRS may have been influenced by multiple factors, including his trust in the original decision and a desire to save reviews for potentially more critical moments involving other players.

This incident underscores the high-pressure environment in which elite athletes operate and the split-second decisions that can significantly impact the game’s outcome. As cricket continues to evolve with technology, the balance between human judgment and technological aid remains a delicate one.