Dinesh Karthik supports umpire Virender Sharma’s controversial decision of giving Virat Kohli LBW out

The first day of the second Test between India and New Zealand went India’s way as the hosts ended their day on 221 at the loss of only 4 wickets. The highlight of the day was Mayank Agarwal’s fourth century in Test cricket. Apart from that, a controversial decision by third umpire Virender Sharma also became the talk of the town. While the decision is being criticized by almost everyone, Dinesh Karthik supports the umpire for his debatable decision of giving Kohli LBW out.

The play on the first day was curtailed due to the wet outfield and only 70 overs could be bowled. Team India got a fantastic start as the openers notched up an 80-run partnership. However, Ajaz Patel led New Zealand’s fightback as he claimed three back-to-back wickets. The decision by Virender Sharma of giving Kohli LBW created a furore amongst the fans. On the other hand, the Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik supports umpire for his decision.

Dinesh Karthik support the umpire for his decision

According to Karthik, the third umpire has to have conclusive evidence before he could overturn the decision of the on-field umpire. The ex-Indian batsman felt that when he saw it live, it looked like the ball hit the pad-bat-pad, and after watching so many replays, it only looked closer.

A lot of zoomed-in videos of the same were posted on social media where the fans could see an edge before the ball went onto the pad. Contrary to the fans’ views, Dinesh Karthik supports the umpire in his chat with Cricbuzz.

WATCH VIDEO: Third Umpire Virender Sharma robbed Virat Kohli by making a bizarre call

“According to the rule books, there has to be conclusive evidence to turn the decision over, and I think umpire Virender Sharma did not find conclusive evidence even though the Twitter world and the rest of the social media world are very sure it hit the bat first,” Karthik was quoted saying in his talk with Cricbuzz.

As for the match, team India is in the driving seat at the moment having posted a good total and still going strong on the second day. They will look to post a score in excess of 350 to dominate the Kiwis. After the end of the first session on the second day, the Indian team has posted a total of 285 at the loss of 6 wickets. Mayank Agarwal and Axar Patel are holding the fort and have notched up a 61-run partnership.