The IPL 2026 clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Thursday was marred by a major officiating controversy after a disputed boundary catch went unreviewed. KKR all-rounder Rovman Powell expressed his frustration after the match, labeling the decision a “blunder” by the on-field umpires.
The incident occurred in the second over when KKR opener Finn Allen (9 off 8) was dismissed by a catch from Digvesh Rathi at the third-man boundary. Despite Rathi being inches from the ropes, the umpires did not refer the decision to the third umpire. Subsequent replays suggested Rathi’s foot might have touched the boundary cushion, but without a formal review, Allen was forced to walk back.
The “Mukul Choudhary Miracle”
While the umpiring was a major talking point, the night belonged to LSG’s 21-year-old sensation Mukul Choudhary. With KKR defending a target of 182, the hosts seemed in control after Vaibhav Arora and Sunil Narine strangled LSG’s top order, leaving them reeling at 128/7 in the 16th over.
Key Match Stats:
KKR Score: 181/4 (20 overs)
LSG Score: 182/7 (20 overs)
Match Winner: LSG by 3 wickets (Last ball finish)
Player of the Match: Mukul Choudhary (54* off 27 balls, including 7 sixes)
Choudhary, a Rajasthan native signed for ₹2.60 crore in the mini-auction, unleashed a historic assault in the death overs. He forged an unbeaten 54-run partnership for the 8th wicket with Avesh Khan, scoring 52 of those runs himself to snatch victory on the final delivery.
Powell’s Candid Reaction
Speaking to reporters after the three-wicket loss, Powell didn’t hold back regarding the early dismissal of Allen.
“Maybe it was a blunder on their part. We’ve seen umpires go upstairs for lesser things. But we’re not going to use that as an excuse for losing two points tonight.”
Powell also lamented the loss of their “fortress,” as KKR remains winless in IPL 2026 after four matches, languishing at 9th spot in the standings.