Sherfane Rutherford‘s dismissal caught behind off Naman Dhir’s bowling sparked a notable on-field incident in the 3rd ODI between India and the West Indies at New Chandigarh on October 3, 2026. After the on-field umpire raised his finger, Rutherford refused to accept the decision and lingered at the crease, engaging in a heated exchange with the umpires before Shai Hope stepped in and persuaded him to walk off.
Rutherford attempted a cut shot to a delivery bowled close to his body and appeared to get a faint edge. Wicketkeeper KL Rahul pouched the catch cleanly, and the umpire gave it out without hesitation. Rutherford immediately called for a review, but UltraEdge produced a clear spike at the moment the ball passed the bat edge, and the third umpire confirmed the original decision. His innings ended for 24 runs off 25 balls, which included two fours.
Some commentary observers questioned the verdict, with one noting a possible gap between bat and ball and raising the possibility that the audible sound detected was bat hitting pad rather than bat hitting ball. The official DRS process, however, returned a clear spike on UltraEdge, and the third umpire had sufficient grounds to uphold the on-field decision. Rutherford’s visible reluctance to depart and his exchange with the umpires drew considerable attention during the West Indies chase.
🚨 CONTROVERSIAL DECISION BY THIRD UMPIRE 🚨
Sherfane Rutherford clearly Not Out in Ultra edge. But third umpire gives him out.
Clear gap between bat & ball. Bat touch the Pad. No bat & ball contact.
Sherfane Rutherford takes the umpire immediately after Umpire gives out.… pic.twitter.com/kwjU2PqFm3
— VIKAS (@Vikas662005) October 3, 2026
What was the match situation when Rutherford was dismissed?
Rutherford’s wicket fell with West Indies on 207 for 3 in 30.2 overs, still needing 145 runs from 118 balls at a required run rate of 7.37 per over to overhaul India’s total of 352 runs. The dismissal brought an end to a partnership that had kept the chase on track, and it shifted the pressure firmly back onto the remaining West Indies batters.
Hope was the cornerstone of the chase at that point, having reached an unbeaten 95 off 94 balls with 10 fours and a six to his name. His composed presence at the crease was central to the Caribbean side keeping the target within reach, and he continued to anchor the innings after Rutherford’s departure.
Dhir was the pick of the Indian bowlers at that stage, having claimed two wickets, including the prized scalp of Rutherford. Mohammed Siraj had also contributed one wicket for India as the hosts looked to press home their advantage in the closing stages of the West Indies chase.
