Draf covered 1 day 1 Fifth test between England and India In the oval, but not only the cricket competition. Instead, on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasina A decisive LBW decision was found in the center of an online storm following a controversial hand gesture, appearing to like England’s review choice. While the umpire’s decision was technically correct, his immediate indication of an inner edge before the end of the DRS timer – saw a ruthless trolling spree on social media, fans and former players equally criticized that many called an oversteep of the umpiring protocol.
The subtle sign of Kumar Dharmasena who shook the storm on day 1
Flashpoint came with India in the 13th over Sai Sudhrasan England hit flush on pad Josh tongueEngland’s fielders united for an emotional LBW appeal, only to reject Dharmasena. Nevertheless, instead of deciding “not out” only, the umpire quickly pointed out of the English-a decision will be made on the DRS review within the 15-second window teams by connecting an inner edge with their fingers.
This subtle but resulting gesture assured Stand-in in England captain Oli pope To abandon the review, a call was later confirmed by the TV replay as a call shown a clear bat-pad deflection. However, optics provoked passion: fans and pundits argued that Dharmasena’s works incorrectly risk to influence the fielding side and all decided to review for them. Major commentators Sanjay Bangar Got the moment, reminds that “The umpire should not indicate what is going on in your mind. Or, the bowler and the bowling team indicate. The umpire should not have done this,
Experts have response #Kumardharmasena Lightning-Calls LBW calls #Saisudharsan
Did he judge it very quickly or completely?#ENGVIND 👉 5th test, day 1 | Now live on jiohotstar https://t.co/04pyjgm7su pic.twitter.com/ljukfv5own
– Star Sports (@StarsportsIndia) 31 July, 2025
Social media, approximately, exploded. Hashtag called for strict umpiring neutrality, with many ridiculous Dharmasina who considered “unprofessional” communication and questioned whether such signs are a place in modern cricket, which has now been given technology-operated review systems in sports.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Why not include Kumar Dharmasena in England playing XI? 😤⁰He was seen signaling against taking a review for him! ⁰ICC really needs to look into it.
~ What is your on this #INDVSENG pic.twitter.com/pcjqdvzumm– Kavya Maran (@Kavya_Maran_SRH) 31 July, 2025
Why did Sri Lankan umpire Kumar Dharmasena tell the English bowler that it is a clear lead by showing his fingers?@Icc What’s going on ? Apparently he is deciding there because he showed that the sign is that the English fielders do not appeal after that and do not go for reviews … pic.twitter.com/HKQU6UFD2X
– MK (@mkr4411) 31 July, 2025
Kumar Dharmasena indicated the participation of a bat when the DRS Timer was on. pic.twitter.com/uqly8c7n3k
– Mufadal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) August 1, 2025
Umpire Kumar Dharmasena indicated the involvement of a bat when DRS Timer was .. !!!!
– Sai Reformson vs Josh Tongue. ,
– Manu. (@Immanu_18) August 1, 2025
Dharmasena won him the World Cup. What are you talking about Kumar should be like Dharmasina https://t.co/4LATOPBBJJ pic.twitter.com/plxsvqkefj
– KDB (@STUDENOFUCB) August 1, 2025
Kumar Dharmasena is such a dumb umpire, he does not even know that he is not going to give such a sign in the DRS era (to decide on review for at least 15 seconds) either the bowling side, or the batsman. Yes, he does this regularly. pic.twitter.com/6jnajrozku
– Vipul 🇮🇳 (@vipul_ESPEAKS) 31 July, 2025
Kumar Dharmasina is giving free coaching to the England bowlers here. 15-Second why ‘Inside Edge’ indicated before DRS timer? Let them waste your reviews as if the rest of us waste their time by seeing it! Umpireing or match consultation? #Kumardharmasena #INDVSENG
– only OG (@ogtweetstruth) 31 July, 2025
Is Kumar Dharmasena helping England bowlers ??
Explaining the reason for refusing an appeal#INDVSENG #INDVSENGTEST pic.twitter.com/chu6ritsaq
– Mayank (@mayankcdp) 31 July, 2025
What is Kumar Dharmasena doing? Let them review, wait 15 seconds. #ENGVIND pic.twitter.com/irtb00ipbu
– The Nightwatchman (@ngtwmn) 31 July, 2025
See Kumar Dharmasena’s response
– Kumar Dharmasena indicated the participation of the bat when DRS was at Timer 🧐
– What is your on this #INDVSENG pic.twitter.com/mdoc47o59g
– Richard Catelboro (@Richkal 07) August 1, 2025
Also read: ENG vs Ind: Gus Atkinson provides updates on the shoulder injury of Chris Woakes in the Oval Test
Early failures on 1 of India Oval Test
While the storm went online, cricket inauspicious on the ground, continued under the sky of London. India was in trouble quickly, losing both openers cheaply: Yashsvi Jaiswal (2) Stuck in front of a sharp-in-server from the debut Gus etcinson– Not on the Winning Field but turned on the review – and KL Rahul (14), tried to cut a sick-and-a-hearted cut on his stumps. After lunch, an early downpore stopped the game with India, kept at 72 of the two.
Sai SudhrasanIn the heart of the controversy, now his vigilance was caught behind the tongue in the 36th over before 38 dug for a patient. Captain Shubman Gill Granted composition and square at number four, while Karun NairShe remembered Xi, hit a gritty fifty under pressure. Although India finished the first day at 204/6, thanks to their mid -order contribution, and most of the conversations of the day – a single umpiring gestures and its waves.
