In what can only be described as a nail-biting finish, the Delhi Capitals clinched victory over the Mumbai Indians on the very last ball of the match. However, the thrilling nature of the contest was overshadowed by a series of controversial run-out decisions by third umpire Gayatri Venugopalan. The game, which was played with high stakes and immense pressure, saw three crucial run-out calls in the death overs—one each involving Shikha Pandey, Radha Yadav, and Arundhati Reddy. The umpiring decisions have since sparked widespread debate among players, commentators, and fans alike.
The Run-Out Controversies
The drama unfolded in the final three overs of the game. The first disputed run-out came in the 18th over when Shikha Pandey was caught short of her crease. As the stumps were illuminated upon impact, it appeared that no part of Pandey’s bat was behind the crease when the bails lit up. However, Venugopalan adjudicated her not out, applying the rule that the bail must be completely dislodged for the wicket to be considered broken. This interpretation of the rule left the Mumbai Indians players perplexed.
In the 19th over, Radha Yadav was at the center of another controversial decision. Attempting a desperate single, Yadav dived full-length to make her crease. Television replays, however, suggested that her bat was airborne even as the bails were dislodged. Despite the visuals, Venugopalan ruled in her favor, allowing her to continue. To compound Mumbai’s frustration, Yadav smashed a six on the very next ball, significantly reducing the deficit and keeping Delhi’s hopes alive.
The final and most crucial moment came on the last ball of the match when Arundhati Reddy sprinted for a double to seal the win for Delhi. Much like Pandey’s case, Reddy’s bat seemed to be in the air when the LED stumps lit up. However, once again, the third umpire ruled in favor of the batter, ensuring a dramatic win for the Capitals.
The Rulebook and Its Interpretation
The controversial decisions have sparked debate over the correct interpretation of run-out laws, particularly with LED stumps in play. According to Clause 4.2 in Appendix D of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Playing Conditions, “where LED wickets are used, the moment at which the wicket has been put down shall be deemed to be the first frame in which the LED lights are illuminated and subsequent frames show the bail permanently removed from the top of the stumps.”
Furthermore, Clause 29.1 states that a wicket is considered “broken” when “at least one bail is completely removed from the top of the stumps, or one or more stumps are removed from the ground.” The crux of the controversy lies in the distinction between the moment when the stumps are illuminated and when the bails are fully dislodged. If the first illuminated frame is taken as the point of decision, Pandey and Reddy would have been deemed out. However, Venugopalan interpreted the rule differently, ruling both players not out based on subsequent frames showing the bail completely removed.
Reactions from Players and Experts
The decisions left Mumbai Indians captain Harmanpreet Kaur visibly frustrated. She approached the on-field umpires immediately after Pandey’s reprieve, seeking clarification. However, she chose not to protest the subsequent two run-out calls, despite their significant impact on the game’s outcome.
Former cricketers and analysts also weighed in on the controversy. Stacy-Ann King, speaking post-match, expressed surprise at the decision involving Pandey. “The direct hits that were reviewed showed that she was on the line while the stumps were broken. All of us in the commentary box thought it was out. It was a costly decision,” she remarked.
Mithali Raj, one of the most respected voices in women’s cricket, found Yadav’s survival particularly baffling. “When you dive, if your bat is first in the ground and then it lifts, that’s not out. But here, the blade of the bat was up throughout. It never touched the crease, which means she should have been out.”
Lisa Sthalekar took to social media, posting on X (formerly Twitter), “Have I misunderstood the rules? Were those two run-outs really not out?” Similarly, former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson criticized the decision-making process, stating, “Not sure why the umpire tonight decided that the zinger bails are not applicable? Once the bails light up, connection is lost, and the wicket is broken. That is in the playing conditions! I’ve seen more confusion in the last ten minutes than ever before.”
The Broader Implications
The umpiring controversy has reignited discussions about the consistency and clarity of run-out rulings in modern cricket. With the introduction of LED stumps, decision-making has become increasingly reliant on technology, yet inconsistencies continue to arise. This game has highlighted the need for a clearer interpretation of when exactly a wicket is considered broken.
Beyond the umpiring debates, the match itself was an exhibition of high-quality cricket. Delhi Capitals’ resilience in chasing down a challenging total, combined with Radha Yadav’s crucial six and Arundhati Reddy’s final-ball heroics, made for a gripping contest. Mumbai Indians, despite feeling hard done by the decisions, fought valiantly, showcasing their tenacity and skill.
Conclusion
While Delhi Capitals celebrated a thrilling victory, the shadow of controversial umpiring calls loomed large over the contest. The three disputed run-outs, particularly those of Pandey and Reddy, have sparked an intense debate over the correct interpretation of playing conditions in the WPL. With increasing reliance on technology, clarity and consistency in decision-making will be critical moving forward.
For the Mumbai Indians, the loss will be a bitter pill to swallow, given how close they came to victory. However, they can take heart from their performance and look ahead to bouncing back stronger. As for the WPL, this high-stakes encounter has only added to the league’s growing reputation, albeit with a lesson on the need for clearer umpiring protocols in crucial moments of the game.
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Mumbai Indians Sign Mujeeb as Ghazanfar’s Replacement
Mumbai Indians have bolstered their spin department by signing Afghanistan’s Mujeeb Ur Rahman as a replacement for the injured AM Ghazanfar ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The decision comes after Ghazanfar was ruled out due to a spine injury, which has also sidelined him from the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Ghazanfar’s Injury Blow
The young 18-year-old Afghan spinner had been making strides in his career before a major setback during the Zimbabwe tour. As per the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB), Ghazanfar has sustained “a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis,” which will require at least four months of rest and rehabilitation. The injury has not only ruled him out of the IPL but also the Champions Trophy, where he was expected to play a crucial role for Afghanistan.
This unfortunate development has forced Mumbai Indians to look for a like-for-like replacement, and they have found a suitable candidate in Mujeeb Ur Rahman, one of the most experienced T20 spinners in international cricket.
Mujeeb’s T20 Credentials
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, 23, is widely regarded as one of the most skillful mystery spinners in the shorter format of the game. He brings with him a wealth of experience, having played in various T20 leagues worldwide, including the Indian Premier League, Big Bash League, and SA20. In his career so far, Mujeeb has featured in 256 T20 matches, taking 275 wickets at an impressive average of 23.67 and an economy rate of 6.75.
Most recently, Mujeeb was the leading wicket-taker for the Royals in the SA20 2025, where he claimed 14 wickets in 12 matches. His ability to control the run flow in the middle overs and provide crucial breakthroughs makes him a valuable asset for Mumbai Indians as they seek to strengthen their squad.
Absence from Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy Squad
While Mujeeb has been actively playing in T20 leagues, he was not selected for Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy squad. The decision was influenced by medical advice, as he is still managing a right phalanx sprain. His doctors recommended that he focus exclusively on T20 cricket for now to ensure a full recovery before making a return to One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
This approach allows him to play a critical role for Mumbai Indians in the upcoming IPL season without the added burden of multi-format commitments.
Mujeeb’s Role in Mumbai Indians’ Setup
With Mumbai Indians eyeing their record-extending sixth IPL title, Mujeeb’s signing adds significant depth to their bowling attack. He is expected to complement the likes of Jasprit Bumrah and the franchise’s other spin options, potentially forming a lethal combination with Piyush Chawla and other tweakers in the squad.
Mumbai’s home venue, Wankhede Stadium, is not traditionally known for assisting spinners, but Mujeeb’s adaptability across different conditions and pitches will be crucial, especially when the team plays away games on spin-friendly surfaces.
IPL Experience and Past Performances
Mujeeb Ur Rahman is no stranger to the IPL. He made his debut in 2018 for Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) and made an immediate impact with his unorthodox off-spin and variations. Over the years, he has represented different franchises, including Sunrisers Hyderabad, but has never had a long, uninterrupted stint in the league.
His best IPL season came in 2018 when he picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches at an economy of just 6.99. His ability to bowl in the powerplay, middle overs, and even at the death makes him a flexible bowling option. His variations, including the carrom ball and the conventional off-break, make it challenging for batters to dominate him.
Mumbai Indians’ Squad Depth
Mumbai Indians have always been a franchise that values depth in their squad. With Mujeeb’s addition, they now have another proven match-winner in their bowling lineup. The franchise had already secured the services of several all-rounders and pacers during the IPL 2025 auction, ensuring that they have a well-balanced squad.
The presence of seasoned campaigners like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya in the leadership group will further help Mujeeb settle into the team environment quickly.
Reaction from Cricketing Circles
Mujeeb’s signing has garnered mixed reactions from analysts and fans. Some believe that his experience and recent form make him the ideal candidate to replace Ghazanfar, while others feel that Mumbai Indians might have opted for a younger domestic spinner.
However, former cricketers and analysts have largely supported the move. Speaking on a cricket discussion panel, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh remarked, “Mujeeb is a fantastic bowler, and his variations will make a difference in the IPL. Mumbai Indians have made a smart move by bringing him in. He will be particularly useful in those tricky middle overs where you need a wicket-taker.”
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, Mujeeb’s close friend and national teammate, also expressed his delight at the signing. “Mujeeb has been working hard on his game, and I’m happy to see him get another opportunity in the IPL. He has the skills to make an impact, and I wish him the best,” Rashid said in an interview.
Road Ahead for Mujeeb and Mumbai Indians
Mujeeb’s inclusion in the Mumbai Indians squad offers him another chance to establish himself as a key figure in the IPL. Having played in multiple T20 leagues around the world, he has the experience to thrive in high-pressure situations. With the league expected to be fiercely competitive this season, Mumbai Indians will be counting on him to deliver with the ball.
For Mujeeb personally, this stint with Mumbai Indians could also serve as a stepping stone for his future aspirations with the Afghanistan national team. If he performs well, he may force his way back into Afghanistan’s ODI setup and potentially play a significant role in the upcoming World Cup cycle.
Conclusion
Mumbai Indians’ decision to sign Mujeeb Ur Rahman as a replacement for AM Ghazanfar comes as a strategic move aimed at strengthening their spin attack. With Ghazanfar sidelined for at least four months, Mujeeb’s experience and wicket-taking ability make him an ideal replacement.
As the IPL 2025 season approaches, Mumbai Indians will be eager to make the most of Mujeeb’s skills, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can replicate his T20 league success on one of the biggest stages in franchise cricket. Whether he gets a regular spot in the playing XI or plays a supporting role, his presence adds an extra dimension to an already formidable Mumbai Indians lineup.
