Did Umpire Help David Warner During SRHvsDC Clash? An LBW Call Sparks Controversy Among Fans: Details

During match No. 47 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Delhi Capitals (DC), fans and cricket experts witnessed an event that triggered a sort of controversy on social media. 

So far in IPL 2020, umpiring calls have become the talking points post matches with many questioning the decisions being made by the on-field officials amid games. 

In the recent match between SRH and DC an on field umpire identified as Anil Chaudhary has allegedly helped Sunrisers skipper David Warner during the match.

The incident took place during an LBW call which involved Ravichandran Ashwin. During the 17th over of DC’s run-chase, a full-length delivery from Sandeep Sharma smashed Ashwin, who tried to flick the ball on the leg side, on the pads. 

Soon after that the SRH players appealed for a DRS, but it was turned down by Chaudhary. In response to them, Chaudhary tapped on his knuckles, suggesting that Ashwin had gotten an inside-edge after which the fielders didn’t go for the DRS.   

All this got caught on camera and in the dugout for broadcaster Star Sports, former cricketer-turned-commentator, Scott Styris, pointed it to Sanjay Bangar and Brett Lee that Chaudhary shouldn't have done that on field as it seems to be 'an error in judgement'.

“Should the umpire be doing that? Standing there saying ‘bat’? With the ability now of teams to have reviews, should he be giving a cue to the players? When we played before DRS was around, we would often see umpires do that, and there was no problem because he was then helping the fielding team out as to say why it was given not out – ‘I believe he hit it’. But now, with the DRS,” Styris said.

To which Bangar, in agreement said: “I’m with your there, Scottie, on the umpire giving an indication to the players when they have to make a decision within those 15 seconds,” he said. “If at all they (umpires) want to convey something to the bowlers or to a player who might have just questioned him, he should be doing that after the 15 seconds. Not straight away after the event has happened.”
Looking into the rule book, the players aren't supposed to consult the umpire in any manner whatsoever when it comes to reviewing a decision or not. Amid the game before DRS, the umpires used to point out the reason behind their decisions themselves as the option to review them didn't exist.

But after DRS coming into play, the umpires are supposed to withhold the reasons behind their decisions. 

Check what Article 3.2.3 of IPL's playing conditions says: “Under no circumstances is any player permitted to query an umpire about any aspect of a decision before deciding on whether or not to request a Player Review.”

“If the on-field umpires believe that the captain or either batsman has received direct or indirect input emanating other than from the players on the field, then they may at their discretion, decline the request for a Player Review. In particular, signals from the dressing room must not be given. Breach of this provision will be liable for reporting under COC," the Article also adds.

Talking about the match, SRH secured a comfortable victory after defeating Delhi for just 131. It was Wriddhiman Saha and David Warner, who sparkled with knocks of 87 and 66 respectively.