Why not for Virat Kohli? Marcus Stoinis given free hit on waist-high full-toss, fans question decision

In Match 39 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), all-rounder Marcus Stoinis showcased fine form, even smashing his century in just 56 balls - his first in the IPL. He has kept his cool and trying to steer his side to victory at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. However, in the 12.6 over, a no-ball and free-hit incident caught the attention of many.

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Tushar Deshpande bowled a waist-high full-toss on the middle, and Stoinis swiped it away. It soared high and landed safely in the deep square leg region before trickling to the ropes. However, the no-ball wasn't called initially, prompting Stoinis to immediately call for a review. The graphics indicated that it was indeed above waist-high, resulting in a no-ball and free-hit being awarded. Shortly after, fans flooded X (formerly known as Twitter) to question why Virat Kohli in the previous game was not given a free-hit.

Regarding the Kohli dismissal in the game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Harshit Rana affected a caught and bowled. While the ball hit Kohli's bat above waist height, the RCB star was positioned outside the popping crease. Kohli expressed shock at the third umpire's decision, voicing his frustration to the on-field umpires and visibly displaying anger.

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According to Rule 41.7 of ICC regulations 'Bowling of dangerous and unfair non-pitching deliveries': Any delivery that passes or would have passed, without pitching, above waist height of the striker standing upright at the popping crease, is deemed to be unfair, whether or not it is likely to inflict physical injury on the striker. If the bowler delivers such a delivery, the umpire shall immediately call and signal No ball.

Shifting focus to the CSK vs LSG game, after 17 overs, the visiting side scored 164 runs and lost 4 wickets. Stoinis is partnered by Deepak Hooda at the crease, following the departures of Quinton de Kock (0 off 3), KL Rahul (16 off 14), Devdutt Padikkal (13 off 19), and Nicholas Pooran (34 off 15).

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For CSK, Ajinkya Rahane (1 off 3), Daryl Mitchell (11 off 10), and Ravindra Jadeja (16 off 19) departed early, while skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front, scoring a century, and Shivam Dube played a commendable innings, contributing 66 runs.

Teams:

Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, Matheesha Pathirana

Impact Subs: Sameer Rizvi, Shardul Thakur, Shaik Rasheed, Rachin Ravindra, Mitchell Santner

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Lucknow Super Giants (Playing XI): Quinton de Kock, KL Rahul(w/c), Marcus Stoinis, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Krunal Pandya, Matt Henry, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohsin Khan, Yash Thakur

Impact Subs: Devdutt Padikkal, Arshin Kulkarni, Krishnappa Gowtham, Yudhvir Singh Charak, Manimaran Siddharth.