Why RCB Were Not Awarded 6 Runs Following Confusion Between Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma Near Boundary Line?

A pivotal moment of tactical and officiating deliberation occurred during tonight’s IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium. The incident, involving Mumbai fielders Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma, left supporters questioning why a seemingly certain six was not added to the Bengaluru total. You can read Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Mumbai Indians match scorecard here. 

The Boundary Incident

The controversy erupted during the 14th over of the RCB run chase. Facing AM Ghazanfar, RCB batter Krunal Pandya launched a high, lofted shot towards the long-on boundary. Mumbai’s Naman Dhir and Tilak Varma both sprinted towards the ball, leading to a near-collision at the edge of the rope.

Dhir managed to leap and flick the ball back into play just as he appeared to stumble into Varma, who was stationed dangerously close to the boundary padding. The ball was subsequently gathered, and while the RCB batters completed two runs, the Bengaluru dugout and fans immediately gestured for a six, suspecting a boundary-line violation. Virat Kohli Wicket Video: Ace Batter Makes Back-To-Back Ducks As Deepak Chahar Dismisses Opener in RCB vs MI IPL 2026.

Third Umpire’s Technical Review

Following a mandatory review by the third umpire, slow-motion replays were used to scrutinise the contact between the two fielders and the boundary rope. Under MCC Law 19.5, a boundary is only awarded if a fielder is in contact with the ball while simultaneously being grounded beyond the boundary or touching the boundary padding.

The replays demonstrated that while Naman Dhir was in the air when he made contact with the ball, his subsequent collision with Tilak Varma occurred after the ball had already left his hands. Crucially, the footage showed that Varma, although touching the boundary rope, was not in physical contact with Dhir at the exact millisecond the ball was being fielded. Hardik Pandya to Leave MI? Fans Claim Captain Unfollows Mumbai Indians On Instagram Amid IPL 2026.

Umpiring Verdict and Regulations

The on-field officials, supported by the TV umpire, ruled that the save was legitimate. Because the 'chain' of contact between the ball, the first fielder, and the second fielder (who was touching the rope) was broken at the moment of impact, the requirements for a six were not met.

The decision resulted in only two runs being awarded to RCB, a call that significantly impacted the required run rate during a tense middle-over phase. Despite the confusion on the field, the ruling adhered strictly to the updated ICC playing conditions regarding relay fielding and boundary saves.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 10, 2026 11:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).