Virat Kohli ended up getting into trouble with the on-field umpire after he was sent off during Sunday’s IPL 2024 match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders Fierce arguments. In the third over of RCB’s innings, Kohli ended up blundering fast bowler Harshit Rana’s full toss straight back to the bowler. While the KKR cricketers celebrated, Kohli quickly checked as he was sure the ball was above his waist. However, replays showed the ball was sinking and third referee Michael Gough deemed it a fair pass due to the loss of height.

Kohli was visibly upset by the decision, with the star batsman and RCB captain Faf du Plessis having a heated discussion with the umpires following the decision. Kohli looked angry when he returned to the dugout and his expression made it clear that he was not happy at all.

Angry Virat Kohli returns after no-ball#RCBvsKKRpic.twitter.com/5k6JvwOq6h

— Arav (@sigma__male_) April 21, 2024

According to Rule 41.7.1 of the ICC Playing Rules, “Any delivery without delivery, above the waist height of the striker standing upright at the pop-up crease, will be deemed unfair, whether or not it is If such a delivery is made by the bowler and may cause physical harm to the striker, the umpire shall declare and signal no ball immediately.”

While Kohli was convinced that the ball was above his waist when it made contact with the bat, replays showed that the ball was sinking and would have fallen below his waist had he been in a normal batting position. The decision also worked in the bowler’s favour, as Kohli stood outside the strike zone and replays made it clear that it ended up being a fair delivery.