Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Faf du Plessis was at the receiving end of a controversial run-out decision in a crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Chennai Super Kings on Friday.
The incident occurred in the third over of RCB’s innings, when a misdirected shot from Rajat Patidar deflected off the fingertips of CSK bowler Mitchell Santner and onto the stumps. Third umpire Michael Gough was called upon to review the footage and, after several replays, ruled that du Plessis’s bat was in the air when the ball hit the stumps, despite the batsman’s protests.
The dismissal shocked du Plessis, his teammates, and former captain Virat Kohli, who expressed disbelief at the decision. RCB, who needed a win to boost their playoff hopes, was dealt a major blow by the loss of their captain.
Chennai Super Kings, on the other hand, require just a point from their remaining match to secure a spot in the knockouts.
The match between RCB and CSK was a must-win clash for the Royal Challengers, who will require further mathematical adjustments even if they gain a victory to qualify for the playoffs. The Super Kings, on the other hand, require just a point to proceed to the knockouts; this is the last group-stage match for both teams in the season.
Only one berth in the playoffs is up for grabs after Sunrisers Hyderabad became the third side to qualify for the knockouts earlier this week, following a washout in their match against Gujarat Titans. The top-placed Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals have already qualified for the playoffs and will meet each other for their final match of the season on Sunday’s doubleheader.
