• Umpire Kumar Dharmasena faced heavy criticism and trolling after his premature inside edge gesture influenced England’s DRS on Day 1 of fifth Test.

  • Despite early wickets and rain interruption India’s middle order recovered reaching 204 for 6 by stumps on Day 1 at The Oval.

ENG vs IND: Fans mercilessly troll Kumar Dharmasena over inside edge gesture during Day 1 of the fifth Test
Fans mercilessly troll Kumar Dharmasena over inside edge gesture during Day 1 of the fifth Test (Image source: X)

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Drama enveloped Day 1 of the fifth Test between England and India at The Oval, but not just due to the cricketing contest. Instead, on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena found himself at the centre of an online storm after a controversial hand gesture during a pivotal LBW decision appeared to sway England’s review choice. While the umpire’s verdict was technically correct, his immediate signalling of an inside edge—well before the DRS timer expired—sparked a merciless trolling spree on social media, with fans and former players alike criticizing what many called an overstep of umpiring protocol.

Kumar Dharmasena’s subtle signal that stirred the storm on Day 1

The flashpoint arrived in the 13th over, with India’s Sai Sudharsan struck flush on the pads by England’s Josh Tongue. England’s fielders went up in unison for a passionate LBW appeal, only for Dharmasena to turn it down. Yet, rather than simply dictating “not out,” the umpire quickly gestured to the English side—signalling an inside edge with his fingers—well within the 15-second window teams have to decide on a DRS review.

This subtle but consequential gesture convinced stand-in England captain Ollie Pope to forgo the review, a call later confirmed as correct by TV replays that showed a clear bat-pad deflection. Nonetheless, the optics inflamed passions: fans and pundits argued Dharmasena’s actions risked unfairly influencing the fielding side and all but decided the review for them. Prominent commentators like Sanjay Bangar slammed the moment, reminding that “the umpire is not supposed to give a signal on what’s going on in your mind. Or else, the bowler and the bowling team get a hint. The umpire should not have done that”.

Social media, predictably, erupted. Hashtags called for stricter umpiring neutrality, with many ridiculing Dharmasena for what they considered “unprofessional” communication and questioning whether such signals have a place in modern cricket, given the technology-driven review systems now in play.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Gus Atkinson provides update on Chris Woakes’ shoulder injury in the Oval Test

India battle early setbacks on Day 1 of the Oval Test

While the storm raged online, the cricket on the field continued under ominous, overcast London skies. India were in trouble early, losing both openers cheaply: Yashasvi Jaiswal (2) fell trapped in front to a sharp in-seamer from debutant Gus Atkinson—given not out on field but overturned on review—and KL Rahul (14), played on to his stumps attempting an ill-judged cut. By lunch, an early downpour had paused play with India modestly placed at 72 for two.

Sai Sudharsan, briefly at the heart of the controversy, now dug in for a patient 38 before his vigil ended caught behind off Tongue in the 36th over. Skipper Shubman Gill provided composure and class at number four, while Karun Nair, recalled to the XI, struck a gritty fifty under pressure. Although India finished the first day at 204/6, thanks to dogged contributions from their middle order, the match—and much of the day’s conversation—remained overshadowed by a single umpiring gesture and its ripples.

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Fans react as Karun Nair’s brilliant fifty rescues India from collapse after England’s fierce start on Day 1 of the Oval Test

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.