Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 4: Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming pointed to a crucial Decision Review System (DRS) lapse involving Dewald Brevis as a major turning point in their narrow two-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The incident occurred during CSK’s high-stakes chase of RCB’s 213-run target in the 17th over. Lungi Ngidi bowled a full toss that struck Brevis on the pads. The umpire immediately ruled him out LBW. Unaware that the ball was considered dead upon the umpire’s decision and the 15-second review window had begun, Brevis and Ravindra Jadeja completed a quick single.
As they discussed the decision, the timer lapsed, and Brevis’ request for a review was denied. A heated exchange followed between the CSK batters and on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Mohit Krishnadas, but the dismissal stood. Brevis had to depart for a golden duck without facing a legal delivery.
Speaking after the match, Fleming acknowledged the confusion: “Yeah, it was a big moment. There was a lot happening — the ball ricocheted and ran to the boundary, they attempted a run, and somewhere in there, the awareness of the 15-second timer was lost.”
He added, “Once you’re given out, the timer starts immediately. In this case, the play continued with the run, and it seems they just ran out of time. Even if the review had been accepted and overturned, the runs wouldn’t have counted because the batter was declared out at that point.”
RCB had earlier posted a formidable 213/5, thanks to Romario Shepherd’s explosive 53 off just 14 balls, including six towering sixes. Debutant Jacob Bethell impressed with 62, while Virat Kohli chipped in with a composed 55.
In response, CSK mounted a valiant chase led by Ayush Mhatre’s dazzling 94 and Jadeja’s gritty unbeaten 77. But they ultimately fell just short, ending at 211/6.
With this loss, CSK turn their attention to their next fixture against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Kolkata on Wednesday.