In a match that went down to the wire, Chennai Super Kings' narrow two-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday was marred by a controversial DRS incident involving Dewald Brevis, which head coach Stephen Fleming has labelled a decisive moment.

The drama unfolded in the 17th over of CSK’s high-octane chase of 214. Facing Lungi Ngidi, Dewald Brevis was struck on the pad by a full toss that was quickly adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire. However, instead of reviewing immediately, Brevis and Ravindra Jadeja set off for a single. By the time the run was completed and a brief discussion ensued, the 15 second review window had lapsed. Brevis attempted to signal for a DRS but was denied, prompting a visible disagreement with Jadeja and an animated exchange with umpires Nitin Menon and Mohit Krishnadas.

“It was a big moment,” Fleming said in the post-match press conference. “In talking to Jaddu and Brevis, there was a lot going on with the running. I think they saw the ball ricochet and actually thought it had gone for four. In all that, the timing of the review got lost.”

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Fleming says missed DRS cost CSK the match in close loss to RCB

Fleming stressed the complexity of the moment, acknowledging the confusion but also the costly nature of the delay. “As soon as you’re given out, the timer starts. The play kept going with the run and the throw at the stumps. Whether Brevis ran out of time or not, in the umpire's view he did. And that cost us big time.”

Adding another layer to the moment, Fleming explained that since Brevis was given out, the single wouldn't have counted even if the decision was overturned. “We’d have kept the wicket, yes, but not the run. Still, five runs would’ve made a difference.”

RCB's imposing 213/5 was built on quickfire knocks from Romario Shepherd (53 off 14) and debutant Jacob Bethell (62), with Virat Kohli also contributing 55. Despite Ayush Mhatre’s explosive 94 and Jadeja’s unbeaten 77, CSK finished at 211/6 just two short.

CSK now shift focus to their upcoming clash against KKR in Kolkata, hoping to bounce back from a defeat that could have gone very differently.