CSK head coach Stephen Fleming called Dewald Brevis’s missed DRS review a turning point in their narrow two-run loss to RCB. The dramatic LBW call and confusion in the final overs highlighted a critical moment that possibly cost Chennai the match in a tense IPL thriller.
Chennai Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming admitted that a dramatic DRS (Decision Review System) controversy involving Dewald Brevis proved to be a crucial turning point in their tense two-run loss to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday.
The incident occurred during the high-stakes chase of 214 by CSK at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. On the third ball of the 17th over, pacer Lungi Ngidi bowled a low full toss that struck Brevis on the pads. Umpire Nitin Menon immediately raised his finger for an LBW appeal. With the ball deemed dead, the 15-second timer for taking a review began.
However, confusion unfolded as Brevis and Ravindra Jadeja attempted to steal a run. The ball was fielded and a direct hit followed at the non-striker’s end. Amid the chaos, Brevis consulted Jadeja before signaling for a review—but it was too late. The 15-second window had already expired.
The missed opportunity sparked a brief argument between the batters and on-field umpires Nitin Menon and Mohit Krishnadas. Brevis, unaware of the timing rule in that moment of play, was forced to walk back for a golden duck, marking a significant blow in the tight run-chase.
Speaking after the match, Fleming acknowledged the incident as a major moment. “Yeah, it was a big moment. In talking to Jaddu and Brevis, there was a lot going on with running straight away. I think they saw the ball ricochet and actually went to the boundary for four. And lost in that was whether Brevis took the review in time,” said the CSK head coach.
He elaborated on the confusion surrounding the situation: “As soon as you’re given out, understand the timer starts. There was a fair bit eaten up with the play still being completed. In the umpire’s view, they ran out of time.”
Adding to the complexity, Fleming explained that even if the decision had been overturned, the run they attempted wouldn’t have counted: “Because he was given out, we wouldn’t have got the runs. While we would have maintained the wicket, it certainly wouldn’t have given us the five runs, which would have been nice.”
RCB’s imposing total of 213/5 was built on Romario Shepherd’s explosive 53 off 14 balls, debutant Jacob Bethell’s measured 62, and a steady 55 from Virat Kohli. In response, CSK fought valiantly, with Ayush Mhatre smashing 94 and Jadeja finishing unbeaten on 77. Despite their efforts, CSK fell just two runs short at 211/6.
Chennai will now head to Eden Gardens to face Kolkata Knight Riders in their next fixture on Wednesday.
