Ajinkya Rahane's DRS Decision Criticized By Mohammad Kaif After KKR's Defeat

Kolkata Short of Marks Against Punjab Kings

In the Tuesday IPL match, Kolkata Knight Riders were defeated by Punjab Kings by 16 runs. Ajinkya Rahane was the standout performer for Kolkata during their chase of 112 runs until a contentious moment changed the course of the game. Rahane tried to play a sweep shot off Yuzvendra Chahal. The googly delivery by Chahal hit Rahane on the pads but did not turn much. In response to Chahal's appeal, the umpire gave Rahane out.

Missed Review Decision Raises Questions

By then, Rahane had constructed a 55-run stand with Angkrish Raghuvanshi. With 12 overs left, Kolkata still had a good chance. But Rahane did not take the DRS, even as Raghuvanshi had allegedly asked him to review the decision. Replays later indicated that the ball had pitched outside the line, leading one to believe that Rahane would have been ruled not out if he had reviewed.

Momentum Shift After Rahane's Dismissal

After Rahane's departure, Kolkata's batting order broke down. The team, chasing a small total, were bowled out for 95. The refusal to review cost them as Punjab Kings registered the victory by 16 runs.

Mohammad Kaif Slams Rahane's Decision

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif spoke about the situation, laying emphasis on Rahane's key role. Kaif said, "Ajinkya Rahane should have been a bit more selfish. He is a key batter for KKR. Not going for the DRS when there was uncertainty was not good. A review might have gotten him out and turned the game."