DRS full form in cricket is Decision Review System. Learn how it works, how many DRS are allowed in Test, ODI, and T20 matches, and the difference between LBW full form in cricket and DLS full form in cricket
Introduction
Cricket is one of the most loved sports in the world. With millions of fans watching every match, decision-making accuracy is very important. Earlier, players had no choice but to accept whatever the umpire decided, even if the decision was wrong.
That changed with the arrival of DRS. The DRS full form in cricket is Decision Review System. It was introduced to make umpiring honest and reduce mistakes in close calls. Today, DRS has become a part of every international cricket format, from Tests to ODIs to T20s.
In this blog post, we will explain what DRS is, how many DRS reviews are allowed in each format, and how it connects to other terms like LBW full form in cricket and DLS full form in cricket.
What is the DRS Full Form in Cricket?
The DRS full form in cricket is Decision Review System. It is a technology-based system that allows players to challenge the umpire’s decision.
- If a batsman feels wrongly given out, he can use DRS.
- If a bowler believes the batsman is wrongly declared not out, his team can also ask for a review.
The third umpire then uses technology such as Hawk-Eye, Ultra Edge, and ball-tracking to check the decision. If the technology proves the on-field umpire was wrong, the decision is changed.
Why Was DRS Introduced?
Before DRS, cricket often faced controversies because of human errors. For example:
- Close LBW decisions (Leg Before Wicket) were very difficult to judge with the naked eye.
- Sometimes edges were too thin to be spotted by the umpire.
- Wrong calls often changed the course of a match.
With billions of fans watching, honesty became more important than speed. That’s why ICC decided to introduce DRS to make the game more transparent.
How Does DRS Work in Cricket?
When a player challenges the umpire’s call using DRS, the third umpire checks different angles with technology:
- Ultra Edge (Snickometer): Detects sound when the ball touches the bat or pad.
- Ball Tracking (Hawk-Eye): Shows the path of the ball and whether it would hit the stumps.
- Hot Spot: Uses thermal cameras to check if the ball hit the bat.
- Slow-motion replays: Used for catches, run-outs, and other fielding decisions.
After this review, the third umpire informs the on-field umpire of the final decision.
How Many DRS in Test Cricket?
In Test cricket, the rules allow 3 unsuccessful reviews per innings for each team.
- If the review is successful (meaning the umpire’s decision is overturned), the team keeps its review.
- If the review is unsuccessful, one review is lost.
This makes DRS very important in Test cricket, where matches last for five days and one wrong decision can change everything.
How Many DRS in ODI Cricket?
Fans often ask, How many DRS in ODI cricket?
In One Day Internationals (ODIs), each team is allowed 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
That means in a 50-over match, both teams get only two chances to challenge the umpire’s call.
How Many DRS in T20 Cricket?
The question of how many DRS in T20 cricket has a simple answer.
In T20 matches, each team gets 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
This rule was introduced in 2018. Earlier, there was no DRS in T20 games, but after some big controversies, the ICC included it in the shortest format too.
How Many DRS in Cricket (Overall)?
To summarize:
- Test matches: 3 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
- ODI matches: 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
- T20 matches: 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
So whenever you hear how many DRS in cricket, the answer depends on the format being played.
DRS and Umpire’s Call
One of the most debated parts of DRS is the Umpire’s Call.
For example:
- If the ball is clipping the stumps but not hitting fully, the original decision stays.
- This means even with DRS, the umpire’s decision carries weight.
Some fans think this is unfair, but ICC believes it maintains balance between technology and human judgment.
LBW Full Form in Cricket and DRS
Another common question is about the LBW full form in cricket. It stands for Leg Before Wicket.
This law says that if the ball hits the batsman’s leg or pad and would have gone on to hit the stumps, the batsman can be declared out.
LBW decisions are often very close. That is why DRS is most used for LBW reviews. Ball tracking technology shows whether the ball would hit the stumps, making the decision more accurate.
DLS Full Form in Cricket and Its Difference from DRS
Sometimes, fans also mix up DLS and DRS.
- DLS full form in cricket is the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
- It is used to calculate target scores in matches affected by rain.
So, while DRS’s full form in cricket is about decision reviews, DLS is about adjusting scores when overs are lost due to weather.
Both are important, but they serve very different purposes.
DRS Full Form in Cricket: T20 vs ODI vs Test
The role of DRS changes depending on the format:
- In T20s, it often decides quick LBW and caught-behind calls.
- In ODIs, it helps with both LBW and run-out reviews.
- In Tests, it is a vital tool across 5 days of play, especially for bowlers pushing for wickets.
Thus, whenever fans search for DRS full form in cricket T20 or DRS full form in cricket ODI, the meaning stays the same, but the number of reviews allowed is different.
DRS Full Form in Cricket ICC Rules
The ICC (International Cricket Council) controls the rules of DRS. According to the latest guidelines:
- Teams must signal for DRS within 15 seconds of the on-field decision.
- Only the captain (or the batsman in case of being given out) can signal for review.
- Technology like Ultra Edge and Hawk-Eye must be approved by the ICC before use.
So, when someone asks DRS full form in cricket ICC, it means the Decision Review System, controlled and standardized by the International Cricket Council.
Famous Moments Involving DRS
- 2011 World Cup: Sachin Tendulkar survived an LBW review against Pakistan, one of the most talked-about DRS calls ever.
- 2019 Ashes: Ben Stokes used DRS to overturn an LBW, saving England in a crucial Test.
- Asia Cup Matches: India and Pakistan have both benefited and suffered from DRS in high-pressure moments.
These incidents show how important DRS has become in modern cricket.
Final Thoughts
The DRS full form in cricket is Decision Review System, and it has changed the way the game is played. By giving players the right to challenge umpire decisions, cricket has become more transparent and fair.
To recap:
- Test matches: 3 reviews per innings.
- ODIs: 2 reviews per innings.
- T20s: 2 reviews per innings.
- LBW full form in cricket = Leg Before Wicket (often reviewed under DRS).
- DLS full form in cricket = Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method (used in rain-affected matches).
Technology will never remove every debate in cricket, but with DRS, players and fans can feel more confident that big decisions are made fairly.
❓ FAQs on DRS in Cricket
Q1: What is DRS’s full form in cricket?
A: DRS stands for Decision Review System.
Q2: How many DRS in ODI cricket?
A: Each team gets 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
Q3: How many DRS in T20 cricket?
A: Each team gets 2 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
Q4: How many DRS in Test cricket?
A: Each team gets 3 unsuccessful reviews per innings.
Q5: What is LBW full form in cricket, related to DRS?
A: Yes, LBW means Leg Before Wicket, and most LBW decisions are reviewed under DRS.
Q6: What is the difference between DLS and DRS?
A: DLS full form in cricket is Duckworth-Lewis-Stern, used in rain-affected matches. DRS full form in cricket is Decision Review System, used to check umpire decisions.