MS Dhoni has been reprimanded for a ‘minor’ code of conduct breach after Rising Pune Supergiant’s seven-wicket win in their opening match against Mumbai Indians.
Dhoni was seen showing the DRS sign at the onfield umpire S. Ravi after he turned down an appeal for what looked like a plumb LBW on Mumbai Indians’ Kieron Pollard from Imran Tahir delivery.
This all happened in the 15th over of the MI innings. Dhoni also felt the decision should have gone his team’s way and joined in the appeals as he jumped up and shouted the moment the ball struck Pollard’s pads.
At this juncture, MS Dhoni jokingly signaled for a DRS to make it known to the umpire that he did not agree with the decision.
“MS Dhoni admitted the Level 1 offense (Article 2.1.1) for conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game,” read an official IPL statement.
“For Level 1 breaches of the IPL Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” it added.
Replays showed that the ball hit Pollard’s pad first and was well in line to hit the stumps meaning Dhoni and teammates were right in their appeal.
Now, the charges are leveled by the match referee, who is responsible for determining the quantum of punishment after Dhoni’s action was deemed to be contrary to the spirit of the game.
