Former South Africa cricketer AB de Villiers came under fire for his suggestion of having commentators vote on close DRS calls and give a walk through to the viewers at home before deciding on the result.
De Villiers' extraordinary suggestion came in reply to a post by former English international Kevin Pietersen. The latter had said a new rule where sixes over 100 meters in distance will be given as 12 runs was "on its way".
However, De Villiers seemingly went a bit in absurd territory when he suggested that there should be 3 non-duty commentators take the call on close DRS decisions. After they explain it to the public, a quick vote should happen between the 3 to decide the outcome.
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“Last idea. Have the three non-duty commentators make DRS/close-call decisions and talk the public through it. Quick vote between the 3 if it’s out or not out, and then make the decision. Would be very entertaining with close calls (like whether the ball bounced with a catch or not)," De Villiers posted on X.
At first glance, the concept appears impossible to accomplish. Unlike umpires, commentators are not selected by the ICC for every series and tournament. Instead, they are selected by broadcasters based on their communication abilities.
Another big problem with the concept is that umpires receive extensive DRS training before entering the TV umpire box. Commentators, on the other hand, are frequently former cricketers or senior journalists who lack formal scientific knowledge.
In reaction to AB de Villiers’ idea, fans shared their view on this absurd idea and put forth various interesting and contrasting scenarios in commentators taking a final call on the DRS decision.
Here are a few posts:
