Yashasvi Jaiswal’s Controversial Wicket in IND vs AUS 4th Test
On the final day of the India vs. Australia fourth Test match, a controversy erupted when Yashasvi Jaiswal was declared out by the third umpire. Visually, it appeared the ball had made contact with Jaiswal’s bat or gloves, but the Snicko meter showed no movement. This decision left Indian fans enraged, with commentator Sunil Gavaskar openly criticizing it. BCCI Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, who was watching the match on TV, also expressed his disappointment with the third umpire’s call.
The founder of Snicko technology later explained why there was no movement recorded on the RTS (Real-Time Snickometer) during the contentious decision. Third umpire Sharafuddaula ruled Jaiswal out based on the visual deflection of the ball. Adding fuel to the fire, Akash Deep was dismissed shortly after, despite no visible deflection, solely on the basis of Snicko meter movement. This sequence of events sparked further outrage and accusations of unfair play.
What Did the Founders of Snicko and Hotspot Technology Say?
BBG Sports, the company behind Snicko and Hotspot technology, has revolutionized cricket’s review system since its introduction during the 2006 Ashes series. Warren Brennan, the founder and head of technology at BBG Sports, spoke to the Sydney Morning Herald about the limitations of Snicko.
Warren Brennan’s Explanation
Brennan clarified, “Snicko does not always capture light or ‘shock’ touches, especially on glance-type shots where the sound is minimal. This is where Hotspot technology becomes critical. Hotspot uses infrared cameras to detect heat signals from the friction caused by contact between the ball and a player’s bat, gloves, or pads. The technology incorporates elements used in military jets and tanks, and it was first introduced in 2007.”
He further added, “Had Hotspot technology been used, it would have provided more conclusive evidence to determine whether Jaiswal made contact with the ball.”
Why Was Hotspot Not Used?
The Hotspot system will not be utilized for the 2024–25 Border-Gavaskar series due to concerns over its accuracy. Brennan previously revealed in 2013 that coatings and tape on bats could manipulate the thermal signature captured by Hotspot, rendering it less effective. Consequently, the use of Hotspot technology has declined and is no longer widely adopted in international cricket.
