Jaffer disagrees with Sidhu on Samson’s controversial dismissal, gives diplomatic answer

On Tuesday, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson, was dismissed after controversial catch by Shai Hope was got the approval of the third umpire. The West Indies player did manage to get hold of the ball but it was unclear if he touched the boundary line with his foot or not after taking the catch. Despite the insufficient evidence, Samson was given out, which led to a heated debates on social media.

In a detailed analysis of the dismissal on Star Sports, former Indian batsman Navjot Singh Sidhu claimed that Samson was not out since Hope had touched the boundary rope twice. But former opener Wasim Jaffer has a different opinion.

Though he acknowledged that the third umpire should have looked for a few more replays before making a decision, he still thinks the evidence was inconclusive.

“I thought he was out based on the replays we viewed. The rope was not in contact with the foot. There was insufficient proof. An international umpire was present. Shai Hope said that as well. Even though the fielder will merely say that. However, based on the overall evidences, I felt it was out,” Jaffer said.

However, he added that it appeared that the umpire gave the call in a hurried fashion.

“Umpire could have taken longer. I’m shocked by how rapidly he made his decision. It was a crucial juncture in the game. It was necessary for RR to win. You may have also taken a very slow motion replay or examined it from two or three angles, I thought he quickly made up his mind.”

The decision was the turning point if the game. Prior to the catch, RR were leading the run-chase and needed 60 runs to win in 26 deliveries. Shubham Dubey was hitting the ball and Rovman Powell was in the dugout . But when Samson departed, the team crumbled as they could manage just 39 runs and lost four wickets.

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