Anantapur: Indian cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin has applauded the introduction of the Decision Review System (DRS) in domestic cricket, especially during the ongoing Duleep Trophy. He believes that DRS will help young players adjust their techniques early, preparing them better for international cricket.
The discussion around DRS gained attention after Ricky Bhui, a batsman for India D, was given out LBW (leg before wicket) during the Duleep Trophy match on Friday. The on-field umpire initially declared Bhui not out, but India C used DRS to review the decision, leading to his dismissal. Ashwin shared his thoughts on Instagram, explaining how DRS plays a crucial role beyond just correcting wrong decisions.
Ashwin pointed out that if DRS didn’t exist, Bhui would have survived the LBW decision, which could have saved him from getting out. He remarked, “DRS in first-class cricket is not only about making correct decisions. Yesterday, Ricky Bhui’s dismissal from Manav Suthar’s ball shows that a batsman would have escaped being given out before DRS.”
He further explained that earlier, playing forward was a safe technique for batsmen. In the past, players would often avoid getting out simply by stepping forward and getting on the front foot, even if the ball hit their pads. But now, with DRS, such techniques can be dangerous. Ashwin warned that if batsmen continue this technique in international cricket, it might harm their careers.
Ashwin said, “Before DRS, playing forward wasn’t a problem, but now it can cost a wicket. Batting with the bat behind the pad is risky. If a batsman tries this in international cricket without understanding DRS, it could affect his whole series or even his career.”
Ashwin Highlights a Common Mistake of Batsmen in Duleep Trophy, Calls DRS a Game Changer
India C Wins the Match
India C secured a victory against India D by 4 wickets in the Duleep Trophy match. India D batted first and scored 164 runs. India C responded with 168 runs in their first innings. In the second innings, India D scored 236 runs, giving India C a target of 233 runs. India C successfully chased the target, winning the game with 4 wickets in hand.
