How Does DRS Work in Cricket? Everything You Need to Know

Cricket has seen major technological advancements over the years, and one of the biggest game-changers is the Decision Review System (DRS). This system has transformed how umpiring decisions are made, reducing errors and giving players a fair chance to challenge questionable calls.

But how exactly does DRS work in cricket? What technologies are used, and why is there still controversy around it? Let’s break it all down in simple terms.

What Is DRS in Cricket?

The Decision Review System (DRS) is a technology-based process that allows players to challenge an umpire’s decision. It helps in verifying whether a batsman is out or not using advanced tracking tools.

It was first introduced in Test cricket in 2008 and has since been adopted in ODIs and T20 matches. While it aims to minimize human errors, the system is not perfect and still sparks debates among players and fans.

When Can Teams Use DRS?

Teams can only use DRS in certain situations, mainly for:

• LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decisions
• Caught behind appeals
• Other dismissals (stumpings, hit-wicket, etc.)

Each team gets a limited number of reviews per innings:

• Test Matches – Two unsuccessful reviews per innings.
• ODIs & T20s – One unsuccessful review per innings.

If a review is successful (i.e., the umpire’s decision is overturned), the team retains that review. However, if the review is unsuccessful, the team loses it.

How Does DRS Work? The Step-by-Step Process

Here’s how the DRS process unfolds on the field:

1. Appeal & On-Field Decision

   • The fielding team or the batsman must appeal to the umpire. If the umpire gives a decision, the player can challenge it.

2. Signal for Review

   • The challenging team has 15 seconds to signal for a review by making a "T" sign with their hands.

3. Third Umpire Review

   • The TV umpire uses technology to analyze the decision.
   • Various tools like UltraEdge, Hawk-Eye, and ball-tracking are used for verification.

4. Final Decision

   • Based on the available evidence, the third umpire either upholds or overturns the original decision.

Key Technologies Used in DRS

DRS relies on multiple high-tech tools to improve accuracy. Here’s how each one works:

1. UltraEdge / Snickometer

This technology detects whether the ball has touched the bat before reaching the fielder.

• UltraEdge uses sound and slow-motion visuals to spot tiny edges.
• If a small spike appears when the ball passes the bat, it's considered an edge.

2. Hawk-Eye (Ball Tracking)

This tool predicts the ball's path using six high-speed cameras placed around the ground.

• It helps determine LBW decisions by analyzing where the ball would have hit the stumps.
• If more than 50% of the ball is predicted to hit the stumps, the decision is out.

3. Hotspot

This is an infrared imaging system that shows whether the ball has made contact with the bat or pads.

• A bright white spot on the bat indicates an edge.
• While reliable, it sometimes fails in low-contact situations.

4. Ball-Tracking System

This technology maps the ball's movement from the bowler’s hand to where it would have hit the stumps.

• Used mainly in LBW decisions.
• Helps verify if the ball was in line with the stumps when it hit the batsman.

Understanding "Umpire’s Call" in DRS

One of the most debated aspects of DRS is the Umpire’s Call rule.

• If the ball is predicted to clip the stumps but less than 50% of it is inside the wicket zone, the on-field umpire's decision stands.
• If the original decision was out, it stays out. If it was not out, it remains not out.

This rule is controversial because even when the ball is predicted to hit the stumps, a batsman can still survive if the umpire initially ruled them not out.

Why DRS Isn’t Used in All Matches

While DRS is widely accepted in international cricket, some matches, including certain T20 leagues and domestic games, do not use it.

Reasons for this include:

• High Costs – Setting up UltraEdge, Hawk-Eye, and Hotspot requires advanced equipment and trained personnel.
• Time Constraints – Reviews slow down the game, which is a concern in fast-paced T20 leagues.
• Limited Access to Technology – Some stadiums don’t have the infrastructure to support DRS..

Will DRS Improve Further in the Future?

Technology is evolving, and cricket boards are working on improving DRS. Future changes may include:

• Better camera angles for ball tracking.
• AI-powered decision-making to reduce human errors.
• Faster review times to keep the game moving smoothly.

While it may never be perfect, DRS continues to refine umpiring decisions and ensure fair play.

FAQs About DRS in Cricket

1. What is the full form of DRS in cricket?
DRS stands for Decision Review System, which allows players to challenge umpiring decisions.

2. How many DRS reviews do teams get in cricket?

• Test Matches – Two unsuccessful reviews per innings.
• ODIs & T20s – One unsuccessful review per innings.

3. Why is DRS controversial?
DRS decisions, especially involving Umpire’s Call, sometimes create confusion and debate over accuracy.

4. Does every cricket match use DRS?
No, some domestic and T20 leagues do not use DRS due to costs and time constraints.

5. Can an umpire refuse a DRS request?
No, once a team requests a review, it must be referred to the third umpire for analysis.

Final Thoughts

DRS in cricket has transformed the way umpiring decisions are made, making the game fairer and reducing human errors. However, it is not flawless, and debates around Umpire’s Call and technology reliability continue.

As cricket advances, we can expect further refinements in DRS, ensuring more accurate and transparent decision-making for teams and fans alike.