Was Virat Kohli really out on Day 1 vs Sri Lanka? TV umpire caught in hot-spot

Virat Kohli was ruled out caught behind by TV umpire Rod Tucker, off Nuwan Pradeep, after Sri Lanka captain Rangana Herath sought to review the original ‘not out’ decision of on-field umpire. But, it was not a straightforward call.

Virat Kohli’s dismissal on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle has again sparked a debate on the Decision Review System (DRS).

Virat Kohli, India captain, fell for 3 on Day 1 India vs Sri Lanka Galle Test. (REUTERS)

In the 57th over, Virat Kohli was ruled out caught behind by TV umpire Rod Tucker, off Nuwan Pradeep, after Sri Lanka captain Rangana Herath sought to review the original ‘not out’ decision of on-field umpire.

But, it was not a straightforward call. The TV umpire had to hold up play for more than five minutes as he repeatedly studied frame after frame of Kohli playing the hook shot to the short ball by pacer Nuwan Pradeep.

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Ultra-edge showing Virat Kohli had nicked the delivery from Nuwan Pradeep on Day 1 of the India vs Sri Lanka first Test in Galle. (Fox Sports)

The TV umpire’s challenge was he could only depend on the UltraEdge technology as there is no Hot Spot in use for this series, probably because it’s too expensive.

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It was the first time that DRS was being used in the India-Sri Lanka Test match.

In a frame tweeted by cricket.com.au, there is the slightest of spike at the moment the ball passes Kohli’s edge.

Even after the giant screen flashed ‘OUT’, the Indian captain walked up to the umpire to check what was the decision, before starting his walk back to the pavilion.