Ashwin flags dubious ‘not out’ given in favour of MP during Ranji match against Kerala

Former India player Ravichandran Ashwin has drawn attention to a controversial umpiring decision that went in favour of hosts Madhya Pradesh during Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy match against Kerala in Indore.

MP were playing to save the match on the final day after being given a target of 404 runs. To the disappointment of the visitors, a couple of leg before decisions, and at least one caught behind, were turned down by the umpires.

One of those decisions that raised eyebrows was the 'not out' given for Saransh Jain off the bowling of experienced left-arm spinner Ankit Sharma. TV replays showed it was plumb, with the bat not involved. Like the bowling side, seasoned spinner Ashwin, probably watching on TV, was baffled.

"Forget about the ‘Not out’ decision given here, but the disinterest shown by the Umpire here can deflate the fielding side," Ashwin posted on X.

"Have noticed that a lot of umpires can dismiss the appeal by walking towards the bowler to give back the cap. There is no real hurry for the cap to go back onto the bowler's head. As much as the players are expected to appeal for a decision showing their respect towards the match official, an umpire is also expected to extend the courtesy," said Ashwin.

Despite the dubious umpiring calls, Kerala managed to pick wickets at regular intervals to inch closer to their first win of the Ranji campaign. Debutant left-arm spinner Sreehari Nair bagged four wickets, while young pacer Eden Apple Tom claimed two. The match ended in a draw with MP's 9th-wicket pair of Aryan Pandey and Kumar Kartikeya surviving 119 balls.