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In a crucial IPL 2025 clash at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi Capitals (DC) spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s visible frustration boiled over into a heated argument with umpire Keyur Kelkar during their match against Gujarat Titans (GT).
The incident unfolded when Kuldeep’s LBW appeal against GT opener Sai Sudharsan was turned down despite ball-tracking technology showing the ball clipping the stumps. This contentious decision not only sparked a fiery exchange but also played a pivotal role in the match’s outcome, with GT cruising to a commanding 10-wicket victory and securing a playoff berth.
Kuldeep Yadav expresses his discontent to the umpire
The drama erupted on the very first ball of the eighth over when Kuldeep was introduced into the attack. Bowling a deceptive googly, he trapped Sudharsan in front of the wickets as the batter attempted a flick shot and missed. Kuldeep and his teammates launched a loud appeal for LBW, but umpire Kelkar ruled the batter not out. Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel, persuaded by Kuldeep, opted for a DRS review. The ball-tracking showed the delivery pitching in line and clipping the leg stump, but the decision remained not out due to the ‘umpire’s call’ rule, which requires over 50% of the ball to hit the stumps for an overturn.
Kuldeep’s frustration was palpable as he saw the decision on the big screen. He confronted the umpire in an animated exchange, arguing that the ball had indeed hit the stumps and should have resulted in Sudharsan’s dismissal. The umpire-maintained composure, signalling Kuldeep to return to his mark. Skipper Axar intervened to calm the spinner, preventing the situation from escalating further. However, Kuldeep’s dissent could invite disciplinary action under the IPL’s Code of Conduct, as visible dissent against umpiring decisions is taken seriously in the league.
Here’s the video:
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Also READ: 3 teams qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs after Delhi Capitals face crushing defeat
Gujarat Titans registers a thumping win over Delhi Capitals
The reprieve proved too costly for Delhi Capitals. Sudharsan capitalized on the lifeline, going on to score an unbeaten 108 off 61 balls. Alongside GT captain Shubman Gill, who contributed 93 not out, Sudharsan forged an unbroken 205-run partnership that dismantled DC’s total of 199 with ease. The Titans chased down the target in 19 overs without losing a wicket, a rare feat in T20 cricket, sealing a dominant 10-wicket victory and confirming their place in the playoffs.
For Delhi Capitals, the day was disappointing. Despite a brilliant 112 not out from KL Rahul, their bowling attack faltered, failing to claim a single wicket in the powerplay and struggling to contain the Titans’ openers. Kuldeep ended wicketless, conceding 37 runs in his four overs. This defeat marked DC’s fifth loss in the tournament, leaving them in a tense battle for the final playoff spot alongside Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants.
