Who was the first Cricketer to be given run out by third umpire?

Sachin Tendulkar became the first ever cricketer to be adjudged run out by a third umpire. It was a game-changing moment in cricket as it was the first time technology played a significant role in dismissing a cricketer. It was November 14, 1992, and the third umpire was Karl Liebenberg who made the decision.

Let's talk a bit more about the event. It was the first test of the test series at Kingsmead Durban. Mohammad Azharuddin, the Indian captain, had won the toss and elected to field. The decision was proven right after the Proteas were bundled out for 254 with their skipper Kepler Wessels top scoring with a gritty 118. Kapil Dev picked up 3 wickets.

It was Day 2 and the Indian batting was rocked early due to some inspired bowling by Brian McMillan and Brett Schultz. Indians had lost Ajay Jadeja and Sanjay Manjrekar cheaply and were tottering at 22/2 when Sachin Tendulkar came to the crease to join Ravi Shastri. They had steadily put on 16 runs when the moment arrived.

The Indian score was 38 and Brian McMillan, in the midst of a fiery spell, had his tail up while bowling to a 19-year-old Tendulkar. He pitched one up near the good length area and Tendulkar, who was batting on 11, glided the ball to the legendary Jonty Rhodes at point. Tendulkar attempted to pinch a risky single but Rhodes moved to his left quickly and got rid of the ball.