Border-Gavaskar Trophy | Row over umpire’s decision to rule K.L Rahul out

KL Rahul's controversial dismissal in India vs. Australia Test sparks debate among former players and umpires.

India batter KL Rahul's contentious caught behind dismissal in the opening Test against Australia kicked up a controversy with former players from both the countries questioning the third umpire's decision to overturn the on-field official's not out call.

After on-field umpire Richard Kettleborough ruled in Rahul's favour following Australia's appeal, the home team used DRS to challenge the decision.

Third umpire Richard Illingworth overturned the call despite not having the benefit of a split-screen view which would have given him a clearer picture of whether the Mitchell Starc delivery actually grazed the bat or the snicko responded to a hit on the pads.

All this unfolded 10 minutes before lunch and India ended the session at 51 for 4. Rahul, who made 26 off 74 balls, indicated that his bat hit the pad at the same time when the ball went past the edge.

"I've got a spike when the ball passed his outside edge," Illingworth was heard saying while deciding on the DRS appeal.

Rahul shook his head in frustration while walking off the pitch.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, who was commentating for Fox Cricket, said there was not enough evidence for the third umpire to overturn the on-field official's not out decision.