KKR’s Phil Salt has admitted that his team may have benefited from a controversial call regarding Virat Kohli’s dismissal during their narrow victory over RCB.
Kohli was dismissed after hitting a beamer bowled by Harshit Rana straight back to the bowler. The third umpire adjudged him out, which led to an outburst from Kohli and a subsequent fine of 50% of his match fees.
Salt believes that KKR may have gotten away with one on this occasion, but he also acknowledges that these incidents happen in cricket.
“It’s a split opinion, we know that. From our point of view, we feel like we may have got away with one there. It’s the rub of the greens, one of those calls,” said Salt.
Salt suggests that the IPL may consider reviewing the effectiveness of the technology used in umpiring decisions in the future.
“They brought that data in, the no-ball data, for exactly that purpose. I feel like in 12 months’ time maybe there’ll be some sort of review. Is it working? Is it not working? Is it a new thing to the game?” said Salt.
He also discussed his batting partnership with Sunil Narine at the top of the order, highlighting how Narine’s presence helps to take the pressure off him.
“It’s great batting with Sunil, he is a very, very low-key chill guy. He’s got a very different sort of skill set when he’s opening the batting, as opposed to, up and down the order.”
“I suppose one of the good things for me is he takes the pressure off, and I don’t have to strike at a rate of 200 in my first 10 balls. Some games I might, but I don’t have to,” said Salt.
Overall, Salt’s comments reflect the complex and often controversial nature of umpiring decisions in cricket, particularly in the context of advancing technology.
