Delhi Capitals’ (DC) assistant coach Shane Watson on Friday (April 22) defended his team’s unruly way of protesting the umpire’s decision in the game against Rajasthan Royals (RR), saying the franchise doesn't stand for what happened on the field.
According to Watson, the players have to accept umpire's decision and it is completely "unacceptable" for someone to enter the field of play.
It all happened in the final over when DC needed 36 off 6 balls and Rovman Powell slammed three consecutive sixes off Obed McCoy, making the equation 18 off the last three deliveries.
However, the DC players and some support staff members felt it was a no ball for height and they clearly showed their dissent. Skipper Rishabh Pant gestured the Delhi batters to leave the pitch while assistant coach Pravin Amre entered the playing arena to have a word with the umpires.
"Look, it was very disappointing what happened in that last over. We weren't able to put things together for long enough throughout that game up until that point," Watson said at the post-match press conference.
"In the end, Delhi Capitals don't stand for what happened in the final over. The umpire's decision, whether it's right or wrong, we have to accept. Someone running onto the field, it's not acceptable. We simply weren't good enough."
After that incident, Obed McCoy bowled brilliantly as he conceded only two runs and picked the wicket of Rovman Powell to seal the match for RR by 15 runs.
Asked if that incident resulted in a momentum shift, Watson replied: "It seems that way, the way the game panned out in the end. There is no question that when there is a big stoppage in the game, that can change momentum.”
"It gave Obed McCoy time to regroup as well. In the end, that stoppage did play into RR's hand and it was an unfortunate stoppage."
When Pant was asking Rovman Powell and Kuldeep Yadav to leave the pitch, Watson was seen trying to calm down the DC captain.
"In the end, you have to accept the umpire's decision, right or wrong, and get on with the game. That was what I was communicating.
"We are always taught that you have to accept the umpire's decision and that's what we should have done," Watson said.
Delhi Capitals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their next match on April 28.
(With PTI inputs)
