RCB vs CSK - Faf du Plessis' run out receives mixed reaction from fans, question if bat was in the air

In the must-win and crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK), the host side got off to a good start, scoring 31 runs in 3 overs. However, rain interrupted play, and when the match resumed, Virat Kohli and skipper Faf du Plessis resumed their partnership.

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However, Mitchell Santner was introduced and he claimed the wicket of the dangerous Kohli (47 off 29), later also contributing to the run out of du Plessis (54 off 39). Soon after the dismissal of the RCB captain, a lengthy discussion ensued on social media, particularly X (formerly known as Twitter), regarding the wicket. 

Rajat Patidar had drilled the ball back towards the bowler's end, and du Plessis was already attempting a single. As the ball made its way back to the bowler, Santner managed to get a fingertip to it, causing a deviation. When the third umpire was consulted, the focus was on whether du Plessis' bat was in the air or had touched the ground. 

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Umpire Michael Gough reviewed the footage multiple times and concluded that the bat was indeed in the air, with UltraEdge confirming Santner's finger touching the ball. The batter appeared surprised, shrugged his head, and walked back to the dugout. Even Kohli, sitting in the dressing room, expressed displeasure with the decision. Fans on X also expressed similar sentiments.

As for the clash, CSK won the toss and opted to field first. RCB, after 18 overs, have scored 187 runs and lost three wickets. Following the dismissals of Kohli and Faf, No. 3 batter Rajat Patidar came to the crease and started strongly alongside Cameron Green. The Indian batter fulfilled his role before Shardul Thakur sent him back for 41 off 23 balls.

Teams:

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Faf du Plessis(c), Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, Rajat Patidar, Cameron Green, Mahipal Lomror, Dinesh Karthik(w), Karn Sharma, Yash Dayal, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Siraj

Impact Subs: Swapnil Singh, Anuj Rawat, Suyash Prabhudessai, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Himanshu Sharma

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Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad(c), Daryl Mitchell, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni(w), Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur, Tushar Deshpande, Simarjeet Singh, Maheesh Theekshana

Impact Subs: Shivam Dube, Sameer Rizvi, Prashant Solanki, Shaik Rasheed, Mukesh Choudhary.