The problem of DRS lies with the technology itself: Bishan Singh Bedi

CRICKET: Legendary Indian Cricketer, Bishan Singh Bedi, regarded as one of the best left-arm spinner the game has ever produces, spoke on the Decidion review System - It’s pros and cons, in an interview with the Times Of India.

Q. The first two Ashes Tests have put a big question mark over the reliability of the Decision Review System. Are you for doing away with DRS?
A. Look, the whole idea behind allowing players to review umpiring decisions was to eliminate human errors with the help of technology. Nothing is wrong with that. The problem lies with the technology itself. I have never been a big fan of the Hawk-Eye and now it seems the Hot Spot too has gone cold. I completely endorse Ian Chappell’s view that DRS should be taken out of the players’ hands and handed over to the on-field umpires, who should be able to get technology-based inputs from the third umpire.

Q. But, as you said, the technology is still not foolproof?
A. It is not. There are inherent flaws in Hawk-Eye that in my opinion makes it cockeyed. What I particularly don’t like about this technology is its standard approach to deviations. All bowlers know that very often balls deviate - more or less - without any particular reason. It may also depend on whether the bowler is bowling into the wind or against it. So these decisions are best left to on-field umpires, for they are in the best position to adjudicate.

Q. Do you agree with the basic premise for a decision review in case of LBW appeals - that the ball should have pitched in line with the stumps?
A. The key to an LBW decision, in my opinion, should be not where the ball pitches but whether it would go on to hit the stumps if the batsman’s did not come in the way. Let me point out that Mike Gatting would have been declared not out (on an LBW appeal) had Shane Warne’s much-hyped ‘Ball of the (last) Century’ struck him on his back foot instead of sneaking in between his legs to hit the stumps! After all, Warne’s big leg-break had pitched way outside the batsman’s leg stump!

Q. So you are not in favour of umpires giving LBW decisions when batsmen are playing well forward?
A. Umpires should be more than 100% sure before upholding such appeals. All batsmen are not six-footers, so the umpires have to use their discretion.

Q. Don’t you think that umpires are under too much pressure because of DRS?
A. The umpire’s job is an unenviable one. It is up to the governing body to make life easier for them. The players are not making it easier by appealing for everything. Umpires are human and are bound to succumb to pressures.
(source: TOI)