A major controversy erupted during the final over of IPL 2026 between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 26, when fast bowler Karthik Tyagi bowled two consecutive waist-length full tosses at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
This situation created confusion both on and off the field, as everyone expected Karthik Tyagi to be immediately removed from the attack. But in a surprising twist, the match officials allowed him to continue bowling, which later played a big role in sending the match to the Super Over.
Kartik Tyagi’s waist-high full toss creates confusion in LSG vs KKR IPL 2026 clash
It all happened when KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane trusted Karthik Tyagi to defend 16 runs in the final over against LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The young fast bowler’s over started in the worst way for KKR.
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Tyagi bowled two consecutive full toss balls to LSG batsman Himmat Singh which went above waist height. Both balls were immediately ruled no-balls, but the bowler was not sure about the second ball, so a review was taken and replays showed that the ball was well above waist height.
As a result, it was ruled a no-ball. Meanwhile, Rahane and the KKR team management also started discussing a possible change in the bowlers, thinking that Tyagi could be dropped due to security reasons. Even the commentators expected the bowler to be dropped.
The umpires took a rare decision to let Tyagi continue
Normally, under the cricket laws, such repeated bowling of dangerous full tosses can result in a bowler being dismissed from attack. But the umpires took an unusual decision and allowed Karthik Tyagi to continue the over after two waist-length full tosses, leaving players and fans shocked.
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The main reason behind this call was that the second delivery was not considered to be aimed at the batsman’s body in his original position, while the first delivery was considered dangerous. Seeing this, the officials decided that Tyagi could continue to bowl the remaining balls.
What does the rule say?
Clause 41.7 of the IPL 2026 playing conditions clearly distinguishes between “unfair” and “dangerous” deliveries, and a bowler can only be suspended if he bowls a second “dangerous” ball, and Karthik Tyagi’s second ball was not deemed dangerous. And thus the KKR fast bowler was allowed to complete his over against LSG.
Clause 41.7.1 states: “Any ball which passes, or would have passed, without being pitched above the waist height of the striker standing directly on the popping crease, shall be considered unfair, whether or not likely to cause physical injury. If the bowler bowls such a ball, the umpire shall immediately call and signal a no ball.”
Section 41.7.2 further states: “The ball defined in 41.7.1 is also dangerous to be bowled if the umpire at the bowler’s end believes that there is a danger of injury to the striker. In making that decision, the umpire must disregard any protective equipment worn by the striker and have regard to the speed, height and direction of the delivery, the skill of the striker and the repeated nature of such delivery.”
