India’s heartbreaking ouster from the ICC World Cup 2019 after losing the first semi-final to New Zealand brought out many conspiracies from the Indian fans, especially about the run out of MS Dhoni, which ended all hopes of an Indian win over New Zealand.

Supporting their claims through screenshots and videos, Twitterati pointed out that the delivery on which MS Dhoni suffered a run-out, was a no-ball. Fans and others pointed out that there were six fielders standing outside the inner circle, which stands in direct violation of the ICC fielding restrictions.  

ICC's rule on fielding restriction states that only five fielders are allowed outside the inner circle in the third powerplay (overs between 41 and 50). However, in the picture shared by Twitterati, six fielders - third man, deep fine leg, deep point, deep square leg, deep mid-wicket, and long-on - are seen outside the circle in the delivery in which Dhoni was dismissed.

Here is a tweet supporting the claims of fans:

What the fans shared as an umpiring howler, or a blunder on the part of the officials, was actually an error on the side of broadcasters. Here's how it happened.

- In the first ball of the 49th over, New Zealand had five fielders outside the circle - third man, deep fine leg, deep point, deep square leg, and long-on. Dhoni had hit a six against a slow and short ball from Lockie Ferguson.

- In the next ball, the fielder at mid-wicket was moved back and deep fine leg was called up. Ferguson delivered a fuller and straighter delivery against which Dhoni failed to score a run.

- Ahead of the third delivery, the graphics on the screen showed six fielders outside the circle - third man, deep fine leg, deep point, deep square leg, deep mid-wicket, and long-on. Here is where the error occurred. While it showed that New Zealand shifted back the short fine leg fielder, it did not show the change in position of the third man fielder.

- In fact, it was clarified by commentator Ian Smith, just before the delivery. He had said, "...has come across to Ferguson and said bring up the third man, send back fine leg. Williamson wasn’t really involved in the conversation. Ferguson shifting his own man here."

This clarifies that this was in fact not an umpiring howler and Dhoni was dismissed legitimately.