INDIA captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni today said umpires must smarten up their act, fuelling a fresh debate on the controversial Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS).
“There are two gentlemen standing on the ground as umpires,” Dhoni said.
“They are professionals and paid to do their job. They have got support from the TV umpire. So it is surprising to see them making some of the mistakes.
“They have to step up and perform.”
The Indian captain was speaking ahead of India’s first Test against New Zealand beginning at the Sardar Patel stadium in Ahmedabad tomorrow.
Dhoni however said he was not in favour of implementing the UDRS, which allows players to appeal against a decision made by the on-field umpires.
“I have mixed opinion on the UDRS,” he said. “It is not something that gives cent per cent results. It is not always correct. It is like I have to buy a life jacket but it does not come with a warranty.
“That’s a bit of a hassle for me, especially with the huge amount of money you have to spend to have the system in place.
“The moment it comes with a warranty, I am all for it. For now, they have to improve on the technology.”
Cricket powerhouses India, currently the number one Test side in the world, have resisted the technology ever since their first brush with the system during their tour of Sri Lanka in 2008.
The Indians struggled with the referrals, getting only one right, while Sri Lanka successfully challenged 11 decisions.
The system used in Sri Lanka was Virtual Eye, while the broadcaster for India’s home series, Neo Sports, uses Hawk-Eye, a rival technology.
Both technologies have been used extensively in countries such as South Africa and helped weed out some umpiring errors, though without always providing conclusive evidence for touch-and-go decisions.
The technology is set to be used for the first time in an Ashes series, beginning in Australia later this month.
Some of India’s players have expressed their support for the reviews but the majority, including star batsman Sachin Tendulkar, remain sceptical.
New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori said he would have preferred to have the technology in place for the three-Test series.
“I like the referral system,” he said. “There are still a few hiccups with the technology, but I think it is good for the game if it is used consistently.
“Though the system requires to be perfected, it is a positive thing for the game.”
The second Test will be played in Hyderabad from November 12-16 and the third in Nagpur from November 20-24. The Tests will be followed by five one-day internationals from November 28.
