The Lucknow Super Giants vs Kolkata Knight Riders clash in IPL 2026 produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the season, but it was Kartik Tyagi’s final over that became the biggest talking point. With KKR defending 17 runs in the last over, Tyagi delivered two waist-high full tosses to Himmat Singh, leaving players, commentators, and fans confused over why he was still allowed to continue bowling.
According to the common understanding of the law, a bowler who delivers two dangerous waist-high no-balls in an innings should be removed from the attack immediately. However, despite the second full toss also being called a no-ball, Tyagi was not stopped from completing the over. The unusual moment sparked widespread debate on social media, with many questioning whether the umpires had made an error.
First waist-high no-ball raises tension
The drama began when Tyagi attempted a yorker under pressure but ended up sending a full toss that reached Himmat around chest height. The on-field umpires instantly signaled a no-ball, giving Lucknow an extra run and a free hit.
At that stage, the equation had already become tense, and the mistake increased pressure on KKR. The fielding side quickly regrouped, knowing that one more costly error could completely change the game.
Since the delivery was considered dangerous due to its height, it counted as an official warning under the playing conditions for dangerous and unfair bowling.
Second full toss creates major confusion
The very next ball added even more drama. Tyagi once again bowled a full toss that reached above the batter’s waist, resulting in another no-ball call. At that moment, many expected the umpires to stop him from bowling further.
KKR players also seemed to believe that Tyagi’s spell was over. The team gathered in a quick huddle, and all-rounder Anukul Roy appeared ready to complete the remaining deliveries of the over.
However, just as Anukul began adjusting the field, Tyagi returned to mark his run-up, indicating that he would continue. This left both viewers and players puzzled.
Why umpires allowed Kartik Tyagi to continue?
The reason behind the decision lies in how the second no-ball was interpreted by the umpires. While both deliveries were above waist height, only the first one was considered dangerous enough to count as an official warning.
The second delivery, although called a no-ball for height, was not judged as dangerous under the law. Commentators on the live broadcast clarified that the umpires believed the ball was not threatening enough and also did not appear to be intentionally directed at the batter.
Because of that interpretation, it did not count as Tyagi’s second dangerous waist-high full toss. As a result, he remained eligible to complete the over instead of being removed from the attack.
Under IPL and MCC playing conditions, a bowler is removed only after delivering two dangerous waist-high full tosses in the same innings. Simply bowling two waist-high no-balls does not automatically lead to removal unless both are classified as dangerous.
That distinction proved crucial in this high-pressure moment. While the situation looked controversial at first, the umpires’ decision was in line with the law.
