Harbhajan Singh not ‘convinced’ with DRS, cites discrepancies in system

Harbhajan Singh (Photo Source: Instagram/Harbhajan Singh)

Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh isn’t “convinced” with the Decision Review System (DRS) being employed in the game as he feels the technology isn’t accurate to judge the bounce of the ball.

DRS technology has always hogged the limelight for infamous reasons during a cricket match and many cricketers including former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni have spoken about the incapablity of the review system.

The technology was once again in question after star RCB batter Virat Kohli was adjudged out off Harshit Rana’s full toss in the recent clash against KKR in IPL 2024. The dismissal divided opinions accross the cricketing world, with one section deeming the delivery a no ball while the other suggesting it was a fair delivery as per the new Hawk-Eye technology introduced in the league.

Also read: IPL 2024: New BCCI technology aims to end waist-high no-ball controversies

Harbhajan feels the technology isn’t fully accurate. The spinner doesn’t get the idea of giving the batter not out if the ball would have slightly touched the stumps during a DRS. He shared his views in Episode 1 of the revolutionary podcast series, “180 Not Out.” 

“Technology achi baat hai agar aap game me laate hain, agar game ko aage badhana hai, logo ka bhi jo rujhaan hai wo dikhta hai ki haan bhai stump pe ball lag rahi hai ya nahi. [It’s good to bring new technology in the game; it takes the game forward. I somehow am not convinced with this DRS system. I’m not fully, you know, inclined towards this ki ye ekdam sahi bata raha hai kyuki jo ball ka bounce hai ye wo judge nahi kar sakta ki ball kitna bounce ho raha hai,” Harbhajan told Raman Raheja, a Sports Fan, Sports-preneur, Media professional and a Creator who put together this Podcast “180 Not Out”. 

“Aur ek aur chiz hai jo mujhe khatakti hai, wo ye hai ki jab hum mohalle me cricket khelna shuru karte hain, hume dikhaya jata hai ye wicket hai, wicket pe ball lagi to out hai. Itni lagi ya itni lagi, out hai. Agar stump pe ball lagi, chu ke gayi, ya poori lagi, wo out hai,” he added.

Moreover, Harbhajan questioned the inconsistency in applying DRS rulings, citing instances where umpires uphold decisions contrary to the evidence provided by the technology.

“Aur agar umpire ne chooti hui ball ko not out de dia to ye not out kaise hai? Fir aap DRS ko kyu istemaal kar rahe ho jab DRS dikha raha hai ki stump pe ball lag rahi hai to it should be given out then. Aap technology ko laa bhi rahe ho aur uski baat bhi nahi maan rahe,” he opined.

Former India pacer S Sreesanth wished the technology had been there when he used to play cricket as he feels it would have assisted him in getting more wickets.

Also read: IPL 2024: KKR vs RCB, Match 36 – Here’s why Virat Kohli’s dismissal was deemed correct

“I wish so much of technology was there when we were playing, I would have got a lot of more wickets, and we would have missed some wickets as well because inside edge, lbw bhi kabhi kabhi out de dete hain, but caught behind jo out hai wo nahi milte the. Yes, technology if used wisely, it’s brilliant because you’ve got to accept the change, but don’t depend on it completely,” said Sreesanth.

In subsequent episodes, the “180 Not Out” podcast will cover a diverse range of topics including the sport’s impact on players, leagues, controversies, commercialization, challenges, coaching, fitness, demographics, formats, records, and future prospects.

Shot at the backdrop of Legends League Cricket (LLC), hosted by Raman Raheja, it is perhaps going to be the biggest Cricket Podcast featuring 60+ Legends in a single season.