'A Joke, Diabolical, Piss Poor': Former India players launch scathing attack after KL Rahul's controversial dismissal

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India has made a very poor start to the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After the first session of Day 1 in Perth, they are tottering at 51 for 4.

Although India's batting has largely been very underwhelming, a shocking decision at the flag end of the session has sparked controversy.

KL Rahul was given out by the third umpire Richard Illingworth amid questionable circumstances. During the match between India and Australia, a delivery from Mitchell Starc narrowly missed KL Rahul's bat. The Australian players appealed, but the on-field umpire ruled Not Out. However, Australia opted for a DRS review.

The third umpire reviewed the footage and declared Rahul Out, much to the batter's dismay. Commentators were also taken aback by the decision reversal.

KL Rahul's bat made contact with his pad just as the ball passed his edge. The timing of these events was very close. Although there was a visible gap between bat and ball, and replays showed the bat hitting the pad, the third umpire ruled him out after detecting a spike on the Snickometer without investigating its cause.

KL Rahul' Wicket - A Controversial Decision

From a front-on view, the ball appeared near Rahul's bat edge but seemed to move away at the crucial moment. Despite this, after reviewing another angle, the umpire quickly decided to declare him out. This decision left many questioning its validity.

The third umpire, Richard Illingworth, should have examined the situation more thoroughly. Rahul had every reason to be upset with how he was dismissed after working hard at the crease. Mark Nicholas expressed surprise at seeing such a decision being made.

Former India players in Unision against Poor Umpiring

Former India players have taken a firm stance against the decision. Many ex-India players have vocally opined against the call, which was very hasty and naive from the umpire. Robin Uthappa, Murali Kartik, Dodda Ganesh were all shocked with the poor officiating.

"You don't have to rush a decision when you have so many angles to review. Especially if you are overturning the on-field umpire's call," pundit and commentator Harsha Bhogle said.

"Third umpire asked for another angle which wasn't provided. I'd assume he'd only ask for another angle if he wasn't sure. Then if he wasn't sure, why did he overturn the on field not out call? Poor use of technology and proper protocol not followed. KL hard done by," Wasim Jaffer wrote.

Former India player Dodda Ganesh termed the umpire's decision as a diabolical one.

Robin Uthappa was not held back either as the India batter was shocked by the poor umpiring.

Aakash Chopra, another former India player slated the decision. It was very surprising to see the on-field decision getting overruled without any conclusive evidence.

"Am still trying to figure this...the claim was we have million cameras when the test match started & just when u need the other cameras they are conveniently unavailable for KL's decision," Murali Kartik said taking a dig at the organizers.