When Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clash on the field, it’s never just another IPL match. But this time, it wasn’t just the boundaries or the sixes that had fans talking—it was a missed DRS review by Dewald Brevis that flipped the match on its head. A two-run heartbreak for CSK was sealed in the span of 15 seconds.
The DRS Controversy
The controversy unfolded in the 17th over. CSK needed every bit of composure, but what followed was confusion. Lungi Ngidi bowled a knee-high full toss to Dewald Brevis, who missed it and got struck on the pad. The umpire raised his finger almost instantly.
While Brevis and Jadeja hesitated, the 15-second DRS timer quietly ticked away. They ran a single. Then Brevis turned to review—but it was too late. The umpire denied the review. Replays later showed the ball would have missed leg stump. It was a bad decision—but irreversible.
Brevis looked shocked. Jadeja argued. But umpires Nitin Menon and Mohit Krishnadas stuck to the rulebook. The review wasn’t taken in time, so the decision stood. Brevis had to walk for a golden duck.
Stephen Fleming’s Post-Match Statement
After the game, CSK coach Stephen Fleming was candid. “It was a big moment,” he said. According to him, the players were distracted by the ricochet and thought the ball had gone for four.
Fleming added, “In talking to Jaddu [Jadeja] 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. I don’t know the answer to that. He wasn’t sure, given that they were running at the time.”
While the wicket wouldn’t have led to additional runs had the review succeeded, CSK would’ve retained a batter, possibly changing the final outcome.
He added, “As soon as you’re given out, I understand the timer starts. There was a fair bit eaten up with the play still being completed, and whether they just ran out of time… in the umpire’s view, it did. The other part about it, 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.”
Dissecting the DRS Rule
According to the IPL 2025 playing conditions, “The total time elapsed between the ball becoming dead and the review request being made shall be no more than 15 seconds. If the on-field umpires believe that a request has not been made within the 15-second time limit, they shall decline the request for a player review.”
Match Overview
After being sent in to bat first, RCB posted a commanding 213/5, courtesy of some power-packed hitting. Romario Shepherd turned the tide in the death overs, smashing 53 off just 14 balls. Making his IPL debut, Jacob Bethell looked anything but a rookie. His calm and composed 62 gave the innings early momentum, anchoring the RCB innings before the final onslaught. Virat Kohli was his elegant self, contributing 55 at the top. His innings ensured that RCB got the perfect platform to launch their attack in the final overs.
CSK’s Gritty Run Chase
In reply, Chennai didn’t back down. Their chase was spirited and calculated. Ayush Mhatre played the innings of 94. It was a mix of elegant drives and fearless power-hitting. He took on the bowlers with class and confidence. Ravindra Jadeja, ever the dependable finisher, remained unbeaten on 77. But despite his heroics, the team fell short—by just two runs.
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