Since its inception in 2009 by the International Cricket Council, the DRS (Decision Review System) has undergone several modifications — from its use being made non-mandatory, fluctuations in the margin of uncertainty for LBW decisions, to the axeing of the number of referrals available per match (and other technicalities too controversial for mention, like the Third Umpire’s voice being broadcast live).
Over time, thanks to the clued-in Indian Twitter users, the DRS has acquired a parallel definition — the Dhoni Review System.
On Saturday, following an umpteenth instance of former India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni calling successfully for a review of an umpiring decision, the phrase went truly viral. It found mention in over 3k tweets within a little more than an hour of Yuzhvendra Chahal’s LBW appeal against Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq being rejected and overturned during a Super Four match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge, viewing the delivery from the bowler’s end, could hardly be faulted for conjecturing that the ball might have missed the left-hander’s leg stump. Imam had lunged a fair distance forward and Chahal’s delivery was well-flighted and turning.
But the man behind the wickets at the other end was watching just as keenly. With an affirmative nod from Dhoni, India captain Rohit Sharma promptly asked for a review. Sure enough, the ball would have clipped the top of middle and leg.
To be accurate, the coinage isn’t quite brand new. Its etymology can be hazily traced back to circa 2011, courtesy blogger Linus Fernandes.
It accumulated parlance at a modest pace through the Australian tour of India in 2013, the Indian tour of England in 2014, before catching on during the 2015 Cricket World Cup, and gaining steam steadily through the past few years.
Questions have been tenably raised over the former India captain’s declining batting ability in recent times. Indeed, his place in the side has been remarked on. But Dhoni’s fans are quick to point out that there has been barely any decline in Dhoni’s eye, judgment or game perception.
