Pujara, Unadkat want full DRS in next Ranji Trophy season
The Ranji Trophy 2019-20 season had seen the introduction of limited DRS in the semi-final stage. This was to prevent umpiring howlers. However, the usage of limited DRS courted controversy. This has led to players, including title-winning skipper Jaydev Unadkat and team member Cheteshwar Pujara, backing full usage of the DRS from 2020-21 season. Here's more.
The final saw controversies erupt in the match between Saurashtra and Bengal. The first instance saw Wriddhiman Saha adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire but on referral, third umpire S Ravi overturned the decision, despite the ball shaping back in sharply as Saha appeared to be plumb in front. The second instance saw the ball hitting the stumps but on-field umpire gave not out.
"There is no ball tracking and snickometer at the moment. So, I would like to see that in the big games going forward, especially the semi-finals and finals," added Pujara. Meanwhile, Saurashtra skipper Unadkat agreed with the Indian Test batsman. "I agree with him. But it is partial DRS with partial errors so if they can make it full nothing like that," said Unadkat.
"It is important to have it. Sometimes umpires can make an error as they are human beings and it is part of the game. BCCI using DRS in knockout games is a good step but I still feel there is scope for improvement," said Pujara.
"Like you saw yesterday there were a couple of decisions which were not quite convincing to be honest, but at the same time, there were instances when both teams benefitted from it," added Unadkat. "So not at all against DRS but full DRS is something we would like to see especially in knockouts," said the left-arm pacer.
BCCI's General Manager of Cricket Operations, Saba Karim, told PTI that the board is open to the idea of a full DRS. "The season has just ended. We will take a call in due time. We will discuss it at the annual captains and conclave and then take a call," said Karim. One could therefore see the usage of full DRS next season.
