'Karma Strikes': Sunil Gavaskar's Blunt Remarks on Travis Head's After Umpiring Controversy - WATCH

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) solidified their place in the top half of the points table with a thrilling one-run win over Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday. The hard-fought battle between the two sides also witnessed a controversial moment involving the match officials.

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The event transpired in the 15th over of the SRH innings when opener Travis Head was on strike. He attempted to drive a fuller delivery from Avesh Khan but failed to connect as it was way outside the off stump. RR skipper Sanju Samson collected the ball and threw it back at the stumps to catch Head short of his crease.

Head’s bat appeared to be in the air in the TV replay as the ball hit the stumps. However, third umpire Rohan Pandit ruled the SRH batter not out. The decision left the Rajasthan Royals dugout fuming. Their Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara was spotted arguing with the fourth umpire on the sidelines.

Irfan Pathan, who was in the commentary box, could not accept the decision as well. The former Indian cricketer said, “Horrible decision again from their umpire. There were two more frames to see. Head’s bat was in the air.”

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But RR bounced back off the very next ball as Avesh Khan castled Head with a similar delivery. The SRH opener shuffled across to play down the leg side but guided the ball into the stumps.

Sunil Gavaskar, who was also on the commentary duty, was quick to say, “That is called Karma. Karma strikes.”

Head scored 58 while Nitish Reddy was unbeaten on 76 to help Sunrisers post 201/3 after opting to bat. In reply, Riyan Parag (77) and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (67) stitched a 133-run stand after Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked two wickets in the first over.

But Sunrisers bowlers made a strong comeback to snatch the win off the last ball.

Earlier, SRH were unable to capitalise on the Powerplay, losing the wickets of Abhishek Sharma and Anmolpreet Singh. However, Head and Reddy scored 96 runs off 57 deliveries to resurrect SRH”s innings while Heinrich Klaasen (42 not out of 19) provided the final flurry.

(With Agency Inputs)