Former Australian all-rounder Shane Watson feels Shai Hope’s catch is over Rajasthan Royals Captain Sanju Samson was legal and the referee was right in his decision.
The incident that took place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium last night is being widely discussed by cricket experts across the country. While some are of the opinion that the TV referee was at fault, others including Shane Watson have claimed that Sanju Samson was eliminated and the referee should not be held responsible for his decision.
What did Shane Watson say about the Sanju Samson matter?
In conversation with Jio Cinema after Delhi capitals While beating Rajasthan Royals by 20 runs, Shane Watson said things that would not have pleased Sanju Samson at all.
Based on his observation, Watson claimed that he felt there was some interference or contact between Shai Hope and the Boundary Cushions. But through the third umpire’s lens, the Australian claimed the catch looked clean enough to be given out.
Shane Watson, who won the first edition of IPL with Rajasthan Royals in 2008, also admitted that Shai Hope’s performance was very special.
“It looked like there was a problem with the rope. The key angle the third umpire had looked as if the fielder had somehow managed to avoid touching the rope. “It was a no-brainer, but Shai Hope has done something very special,” said Shane Watson on Jio Cinema.
The 2018 IPL winner with Chennai Super Kings then highlighted how Delhi Capitals co-owner Parth Jindal hinted that Sanju Samson would be out. Not just Jindal, but many people in the crowd shouted that Samson was out.
However, the Rajasthan Royals felt that the case was different. They considered that Shai Hope’s feet touched the boundary cushions. Sanju Samson, who was at the end of the action, had a brief but heated argument with the on-field umpire over the decision.
However, according to Shane Watson, the third referee was not at fault. He explained that there may have been some confusion, but in the end the third umpire was right in his decision and there was no indecision regarding the call.
“And you can see that one of the owners of DC, Parth Jindal, was very vocal about what he thought the decision was. There was a little confusion, but in the end I think the third referee made the right decision. It “In the end it was very clear so there was no indecision on that call,” concluded Shane Watson.
Hopes are still alive for Delhi Capitals
This particular catch from Shai Hope was actually the deciding factor and this performance is the reason why Delhi Capitals are still fighting for the play-offs. DC now have 12 points after 12 games and wins in their last two league games bring them to 16 points.
If other results go in their favor and DC maintain a good net run rate, we can see Rishabh Pant’s side finishing in the top four.