Melbourne, Dec 30 (Agency) Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lambasted the decision to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal in the controversial Melbourne Test, questioning the inconsistent application of technology. “If there is technology, one should use it. You cannot ignore it and make a decision based on what you see,” Gavaskar said during Hindi commentary, expressing disbelief over the third umpire’s call. The incident, which saw Jaiswal caught behind for 84, sparked widespread debate after the Snicko technology showed no deviation, yet the third umpire ruled in favour of the bowler.Gavaskar suggested the apparent deflection could be an “optical illusion,” pointing to the late swing observed on the broadcast.Jaiswal’s dismissal came at a critical juncture as India chased 340.
His wicket left the visitors reeling at 140/7 before collapsing to 155 all out, handing Australia a commanding 284-run victory and a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.The decision divided experts, with Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain, supporting the umpire’s call. “That clearly hit the glove,” Ponting said. “Snicko hasn’t disproven it, and the umpire froze the frame showing the deflection. To me, there’s no argument. “Meanwhile, BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla expressed his disappointment on social media. “Yashasvi Jaiswal was clearly not out. The third umpire should have adhered to the technology and had solid reasons to overrule,” he posted. Jaiswal, visibly upset, confronted the on-field umpires before departing, while his batting partner Washington Sundar engaged in an animated discussion with officials. Indian captain Rohit Sharma also shared his perspective, saying, “It didn’t show on Snicko, but there was a deflection visible to the naked eye. In all fairness, it looked like he touched it, but we often end up on the wrong side of such decisions. “The win puts Australia just a draw away from reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014. However, the contentious decision has overshadowed their dominant performance, ensuring the Melbourne Test will be remembered as much for its controversy as for its cricketing drama.