Shreyas Iyer was saved by an umpire’s error in a controversial moment during the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 match between Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir. On-field umpire S Ravi made a ‘not out’ call on an apparent delivery by Shreyas Iyer to wicketkeeper Kanhaiya Wadhavan.
Mumbai were dismissed for just 120 runs after electing to bat first at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai on Thursday. Shardul Thakur was the best batsman for Mumbai with a vital knock of 55 runs. For Jammu and Kashmir, Umar Nazir and Yudhvir Singh were the best bowlers with four wickets each.
Watch: Umpire’s controversial ‘No’ decision for Shreyas Iyer raises eyebrows
The incident took place during the second innings of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Jammu and Kashmir. Shreyas Iyer, who was on 8 runs, heard Umar Nazir’s delivery to the keeper with a clear voice.
However, umpire S Ravi controversially ruled out a “no-reference”, much to the dismay of fans on social media. The Decision Review System (DRS) was not available in the match, leading to controversy over the decision. Iyer stood his ground and the umpire took his side and gave the batsman a lifeline.
Fans quickly took to social media to express their frustration, accusing the umpires of being biased against Mumbai. They also criticized Iyer for staying at the crease despite knowing that he had clearly bowled the ball away.
Check out the video of the event below:
— Dinda Academy and Owner MC (@SahilMalhotra96) January 24, 2025
Watch: Shreyas Iyer Stands Firm After Another Open Edge to the Keeper
After a couple of passes, Shreyas Iyer again delivered the ball to the keeper, but this time the referee raised his finger and sent him off. Iyer refused to leave the crease and was seen talking to the umpires along with captain Ajinkya Rahane. He scored 17 runs and 16 balls before being dismissed.
You can watch the video of the dismissal below:
Look at the lines he expects from an umpire, how low he can now stoop after giving him a chance at the start of the innings #Ranjitropics pic.twitter.com/qYS655DTh5
— Kaisar Ali (@Kaisar_Ali_) January 24, 2025
Mumbai got off to a solid start in their second innings with a 50-run opening partnership. However, they quickly lost momentum as Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were dismissed in quick succession.
Hardik Thamore failed to make an impact again and Shivam Dube was dismissed for a duck for the second time in a row. Mumbai were 86/5 before the lunch break, with Ajinkya Rahane at the crease on 12 off 22 balls.
Shreyas – Basit Ali hit the worst shot in that innings
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized Iyer for his poor batting selection in the first innings. Iyer scored 11 runs from seven balls, including a boundary and a six, but was caught in the middle while attempting a big hit off the bowling of Yudhvir Singh.
“The worst batsman in that innings (Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match) was Shreyas Iyer. The team lost six wickets and the middle order was pushed back, but you still hit right there. The easiest way to drop Shreyas Iyer in the Champions. Trophy is to have back-to-backs because he’s definitely going for a big shot.”
Also read: Shardul Thakur sends bold ‘quality’ message to Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir as India flatter
