“I’m not convinced with the rule at all” – Sachin Tendulkar bats for change in DRS rule

“I’m not convinced with the rule at all” – Sachin Tendulkar bats for change in DRS rule

Sachin Tendulkar AFP

Sachin Tendulkar

The Decision Review System (DRS) in cricket has undergone quite a lot of changes since its inception and introduction into the sport and yet, it continues to divide opinion. Arguably the biggest concern with regard to the same is the use of the ‘Umpire’s Call’ rule that is employed for an LBW decision when less than 50% of the ball seems to be hitting the stumps. In such a scenario, if a decision is referred, the decision of the on-field umpire is upheld.

The reasoning behind the above rule is that the ball-tracking system is not always 100% accurate so instead of relying on technology that could not be precise, the human being’s (umpire) decision is used to decide such close calls. Therefore, for a similar delivery and LBW call, had the umpire given it as out and the same is referred, it would be out and had the umpire given it as not out, it would be not out.

‘Let’s back technology’ – Sachin Tendulkar

Indian batting icon Sachin Tendulkar took to Twitter today to express his discontentment with the ‘Umpire’s Call’ rule. He tweeted saying, “The reason players opt for a review is because they’re unhappy with the decision taken by the on-field umpire. The DRS system needs to be thoroughly looked into by the @ICC, especially for the ‘Umpires Call’.” He then followed it up with a video expressing his views captioning it, “The Decision Review System (DRS) has been brought in for a reason by @ICC & if we are trusting the DRS then the reliance on it has to be 100%.”

In the video, Tendulkar expressed his reservations with the DRS saying, “I am not convinced with the DRS rule at all. Let’s understand one thing: Why do players go to the third umpire? Because they’re not happy with the on-field umpire’s decision. And it is as simple as that. Once you’ve gone up to the third umpire, the on-field umpire’s decision should not come into the picture at all. It doesn’t matter whether the ball is hitting 10% or 15% or 70% because when you get bowled nobody talk about it.”

The highest run-getter in international cricket history further stated that the ball tracking system has to be backed and said, “I understand that the tracking system is not 100% accurate. But can you name one umpire who has never made a single mistake in his career. We all make mistakes. It is human to make mistakes. But since we’ve decided to go ahead with technology, let’s back it. Over a period of time, we’ll get closer to 100%. At least in everybody’s mind, we are clear that if the ball is hitting any part of the stumps, it doesn’t matter. Smith got out and the ball literally kissed the bail. So even if it is kissing a bail and the umpire has given not out, that decision should be overturned when it is referred to the third umpire. It is as simple as that.”

Tendulkar then signed off reiterating that his views are very clear and that he has no doubts about the same saying, “Either it is out or not out. Can you imagine for a novice how confusing it would be when someone is going to say the previous ball was also hitting the same spot and it wasn’t given out then how come this is it? In my head, I’m very clear about it. It’s too confusing. Somewhere it is unfair to bowlers also.”

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