During Day 1 of the India vs England fifth Test at The Oval, umpire Kumar Dharmasena drew intense criticism after a controversial gesture appeared to influence England’s use of the Decision Review System (DRS). India batter Sai Sudharsan was struck on the pads in the 13th over and India appealed for LBW. Dharmasena ruled it not out, but seemingly signalled to English teammates - by indicating a clear inside edge—before the 15-second review window closed. England ultimately chose not to review the decision .

Fans and observers leveled accusations of bias, with many believing the umpire's action had effectively warned England not to waste their review. Social media lit up with outrage, quoting tweets like: “It’s not his job to help England decide on DRS. That was brain fade.”

“He showed signal - English fielders didn’t appeal… that’s why they saved the review.”

The moment reignited wider debates about umpiring neutrality, the role of on-field gestures, and whether the ICC should issue guidelines or clarification on such conduct in high-stakes matches