A huge controversy unfolded during the final of the IPL 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on April 26, when fast bowler Kartik Tyagi bowled two waist-deep full deliveries in a row at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.
The situation created confusion both on and off the field as everyone expected Kartik Tyagi to be removed from the attack immediately. But in a surprising twist, the match umpires allowed him to continue bowling, which later played an important role in the match going to a Super Over.
Kartik Tyagi’s waist-high full deliveries create confusion in LSG vs KKR IPL 2026 clash
It all happened when KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane relied on Kartik Tyagi to defend 16 runs in the final against LSG at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The young pacer’s turnaround started in the worst possible way for KKR.
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Tyagi bowled two consecutive full deliveries that went above waist height to LSG batsman Himmat Singh. Both pitches were immediately declared no balls, but the pitcher was not convinced of the second pitch, so the review was made and the replay showed the ball was well above waist height.
As a result, it was called no-ball. Meanwhile, Rahane and the KKR team management even started discussing a possible change in bowlers, thinking that Tyagi could be dropped for safety reasons. Even the commentators expected the pitcher to be retired.
Umpires make rare decision to let Tyagi continue
Normally, these dangerous and repeated full tosses can lead to a player being removed from the attack under the laws of cricket. But the umpires took an unusual decision and allowed Kartik Tyagi to continue with the over even after two waist-high full deliveries, surprising players and fans.
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The key reason behind this decision was that the second pitch was not considered aimed at the batter’s body in its original position, while the first was considered dangerous. Taking that into account, the umpires decided that Tyagi could continue bowling the remaining balls.
What does the rule say?
Clause 41.7 of the IPL 2026 Conditions of Play clearly states the difference between an “unfair” and a “dangerous” delivery, and a bowler can only be suspended if he makes a “dangerous” second delivery, and Kartik Tyagi’s second delivery was not considered dangerous. And so the KKR pacer was able to complete his victory against LSG.
Clause 41.7.1 states: “Any delivery which passes, or would have passed, without being delivered above the waist height of the striker standing in the burst area shall be considered unfair, whether or not it is likely to cause physical harm. If the bowler bowls such a delivery, the umpire shall immediately declare and signal No Ball.”
Clause 41.7.2 further states: “The throwing of a pitch as defined in 41.7.1 is also dangerous if the umpire at the pitcher’s end considers that there is a risk of injury to the striker. In making that decision, the umpire shall disregard any protective equipment worn by the striker and take into account the speed, height and direction of the pitch; the skill of the striker; and the repeated nature of such pitches.”