Sachin Tendulkar believes on-field calls should not matter

The Decision Review System (DRS) has been a topic that has divided opinions over the years. Although initially hesitant, most of the cricketing nations have warmed up and embraced technology in cricket. However, the debate still rages on about the extent of its usage, and now, the legend of the game, Sachin Tendulkar has weighed in on the matter.

Tendulkar came down especially hard on the “Umpire’s call” rule. "What % of the ball hits the stumps doesn't matter, if DRS shows us that the ball is hitting the stumps, it should be given out, regardless of the on-field call,” he tweeted.

The controversial rule has seen its fair share of critics but still prevails. The reason behind giving the benefit of the doubt, according to the cricket’s governing body, the ICC has always been that technology cannot be faultless and absolutely certain, and hence if the calls are marginal, the decision should remain with the on-field call. At present, the team that reviews an on-field call gets to retain the review even if the decision remains with the on-field call owing to a marginal decision

However, Tendulkar does not agree with that school of reasoning. Speaking with a fellow batting great of his generation, Brian Lara, Tendulkar elaborated as to why he thinks the umpire’s call should be scrapped. "That's the motive of using technology in cricket. As we know technology isn't 100% right but neither are humans,” he added. 

[Times of India inputs]