Varun Chakravarthy doesn’t want bowlers to suffer unnecessarily because of wicket keeper’s mistakes amid no-ball fiasco during MI-SRH game

Varun Chakravarthy criticized the no-ball rule against wicket-keepers, stating bowlers shouldn't suffer, referencing the MI-SRH controversy.

Varun Chakravarthy doesn’t want bowlers to suffer unnecessarily because of wicket keeper’s mistakes amid no-ball fiasco during MI-SRH game

Varun Chakravarthy backed SRH spinner Zeeshan Ansari, while talking about the MI-SRH no-ball controversy. (via Cricaddictor)

Kolkata Knight Riders star Varun Chakravarthy weighed in on the debate surrounding the controversial no-ball, that was awarded to Mumbai Indians, against Sunrisers Hyderabad. He added that bowlers should not be made to suffer for the no-ball rule against wicket-keepers. 

The wicket-keeper no-ball fiasco unfolded at the Wankhede Stadium, during MI’s IPL encounter against SRH. Batting first, the Orange Army posted a competitive first innings total of 162 runs, guided by knocks from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen. Chasing the modest 163-run target, MI cruised to their third win of the season in just 18.1 overs. Will Jacks top-scored for the home side, with a 36-run knock.

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Controversy erupted in the seventh over of MI’s chase, after opener Ryan Rickelton, batting on 21 runs off 18 balls, was dismissed by Zeeshan Ansari. Rickelton sent the ball towards cover, where it was caught by SRH skipper Pat Cummins. However, the third umpire, in a surprising turn of events, triggered a lot of drama, as he asked the on-field umpire to change his decision to ‘not out’, in favor of the home side.

Under unusual circumstances, Rickelton was ruled not out, because of a technical error by SRH wicket-keeper Heinrich Klaasen. The third umpire found Klaasen’s gloves marginally ahead of the stumps when the delivery was bowled. The South African opener was recalled onto the pitch, despite having already made his way into the dugout, as it nullified a turning point in the low-scoring encounter.

The MCC’s Laws of Cricket state that a wicket-keeper should remain wholly behind the stumps at the striker’s end. As a result of it, Zeeshan Ansari’s delivery was also deemed a no-ball by the on-field umpires owing to Klaasen’s error, a decision many found unfair. KKR spinner and Indian cricket team star Varun Chakravarthy came out in support of the 25-year-old Uttar Pradesh bowler, criticizing the decision.

The 33-year-old took to social media to express his agony, as he felt that the bowler was harshly punished in spite of him not being at fault. While noting that Ansari’s ball was a legitimate one, Chakravarthy rather suggested that the umpires should have declared the delivery as a dead ball for the keeper’s error. He even stated that the umpires could have warned Klaasen for his error, instead of penalizing Ansari. 

The debate surrounding the controversial call is unlikely to die down. A similar incident happened during Chennai Super Kings’ match against Lucknow Super Giants earlier this week, with the umpire checking the position of MS Dhoni’s gloves behind the stumps, during Ayush Badoni’s dismissal. 

Varun Chakravarthy’s social media post on Team India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar’s removal goes viral

KKR spinner Varun Chakravarthy came out in support of Abhishek Nayar, after the latter was removed from his position of Team India’s assistant coach. The BCCI most recently, announced its decision to part ways with Nayar, fielding coach T. Dilip and fitness coach Soham Desai. 

Varun Chakravarthy support Abhishek Nayar
Varun Chakravarthy shared a social media post in support of Abhishek Nayar, after the latter was relieved of his Team Indian coaching duties. (via X)

The decision to sack the three coaches, who were a part of head coach Gautam Gambhir’s entourage, was prompted by India’s poor showing in red-ball cricket. Following Abhishek Nayar’s sacking after just eight months in charge, KKR’s Varun Chakravarthy shared a picture of himself with Nayar at a KKR training session, to show his support for the former Indian player-turned coach.

The 33-year-old does have a great bond with the former Indian batter, having spent a lot of time together at KKR. Chakravarthy and Nayar were a part of KKR’s 2024 IPL winning campaign, after which the latter followed Gautam Gambhir to the Indian team. Following Nayar’s recent exit, rumors have emerged over the possibility of him returning to join the Knights.