Virender Sehwag becomes 1st batsman to be dismissed on DRS debut on July 23, 2008

Decision Review System (DRS), a techlogy-based system used to assist players and on-field umpires in decision making made its way into cricket through a Test match between Sri Lanka and India in 2008. match between continental neighbours was played at Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo between July 23 and 27. While entire 2008 series was played with use of DRS, Indian team expressed reluctance in using system again when MS Dhoni was appointed as India’s Test captain a few months later.

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Debut of DRS in cricket: Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag among system’s first users (and victims)

In July 2008, Indian team toured Sri Lanka for three Tests and five ODI matches. While Test side was helmed by former cricketer Anil Kumble, veteran wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni captained ‘Men in Blue’ for ODI segment of tour. After months of discussions, International Cricket Council (ICC) decided to incorporate DRS in cricket through opening Sri Lanka vs India 2008 Test.

In its debut itself, system was put to use by players from both teams. match opened up with Sri Lankan innings on Day 1 where hosts plundered runs after an unsteady start. During course of Sri Lankan innings, Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh became first cricketer in world to take a DRS call after his lbw appeal against opener Malinda Warnapura was turned down by on-field umpire. Harbhajan Singh’s call turned out to be a successful one as he sent Warnapura back to pavilion.

Later in same match, Indian opening batsman Virender Sehwag became first cricketer to be given out by DRS. While Virender Sehwag fell victim to techlogy, Sri Lankan batsman Tillakaratne Dilshan became first-ever batsman to continue batting with help of DRS. former Sri Lankan captain went on to to score an unbeaten 125 after surviving a DRS scare. Anil Kumble-led Indian team eventually lost match by an innings and 239 runs.

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Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag among those involved in some DRS calls on its debut

India’s reluctance to use DRS ended when Virat Kohli took over Team India captaincy from MS Dhoni. Interestingly, DRS se days is often referred to as ‘Dhoni Review System’ by cricket fans because of its accurate use by veteran-wicketkeeper. MS Dhoni is usually seen assisting his skipper Virat Kohli from behind stumps by taking some crucial calls.

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Im credit: ICC Twitter