Table of Contents
In a dramatic moment during Match 39 of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens, Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj celebrated what they believed was the crucial dismissal of Venkatesh Iyer, only to be left stunned by the Decision Review System (DRS). A video of their reactions has gone viral on social media, showcasing the sudden shift in their expressions after the technology overturned their confident appeal.
Mohammed Siraj and Rashid Khan’s celebration cut short by technology at Eden Gardens
The incident took place in the eighth over of KKR’s innings as they were chasing a stiff target of 199 runs. Rashid delivered a quicker ball that rapped Venkatesh on the pads. The appeal for LBW was turned down by the on-field umpire, but the Titans reviewed it instantly. Rashid and Siraj were almost certain they had struck gold. Ultra Edge first confirmed that the ball had missed the bat, and as Rashid and Siraj erupted in celebration, the final twist came through ball-tracking.
It revealed that the ball was indeed pitching in line and was going on to clip the stumps, however, just marginally. Since the impact and projected path fell under the ‘umpire’s call,” the original decision of not out stood, much to the dismay of the fielding side. This moment not only highlighted the fine margins in T20 cricket but also demonstrated how technology continues to play a crucial role in decision-making. Despite the close call, Venkatesh couldn’t make much of a difference, as his scratchy innings came to an end soon after.
Here’s the video:
Siraj 🤝Rashid#KKRvGT pic.twitter.com/1tgrv65YJP
— Aman (@Amanriz78249871) April 22, 2025
Venkatesh Iyer’s struggle in the IPL 2025 continues despite lifeline
Venkatesh, who was one of the high-profile retentions by KKR ahead of the 2025 season, managed to score just 14 runs off 19 deliveries before falling to R Sai Kishore. Venkatesh’s inconsistency has become a growing concern for the defending champions, as he has only one fifty in six innings so far in the season. His tentative batting and inability to convert starts have added pressure to KKR’s middle order, especially in high-stakes chases like the one against GT.
Meanwhile, despite the DRS setback, the Titans’ bowling unit displayed discipline and intensity. Siraj gave GT an explosive start by removing opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for just 1 run in the very first over. He ended with figures of 1/32, providing crucial control upfront. Rashid, who had been under pressure after a slow start to the season, answered his critics with a match-winning spell.
The Afghan leg-spinner returned figures of 2/25, removing key KKR hitters Sunil Narine (17) and Andre Russell (21) at critical junctures. Prasidh Krishna also chipped in with economical bowling, taking 2 wickets for 25 runs in his four overs. With the bowling unit clicking in tandem, GT restricted KKR to 159/8 and recorded a comfortable 39-run victory.
