Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed in a unique way on Sunday, May 12, during their clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai.
Jadeja was given out for 'obstructing the field', the first time this season that any batsman was dismissed in that fashion.
Bet here on IPL 2024 and other cricket matches!
On the fifth ball of the 16th over, bowled by Avesh Khan, Jadeja guided the ball towards the third man region and ran the first run pretty quickly. He took off to complete the second, but Ruturaj Gaikwad denied Jadeja.
RR skipper Sanju Samson noticed that Jadeja was halfway down the pitch and threw the ball towards the non-striker's end to attempt a runout. Jadeja was, however, caught just above the elbow by the throw, resulting in the RR players appealing for obstructing the runout.
After consulting with the third umpire, TV replays confirmed that Jadeja was indeed aware of the trajectory of Samson's throw, and changed his direction while running to get between the ball and the stumps, thus obstructing the field. He was given out by the third umpire, to the disappointment of Jadeja.
Jaldi wahan se hatna tha 🫨#TATAIPL #CSKvRR #IPLonJioCinema pic.twitter.com/Op4HOISTdV
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 12, 2024
Jadeja became only the third player in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to be dismissed for obstructing the field, after Yusuf Pathan (2013) and Amit Mishra (2019).
Explaining the 'obstructing the field' rule and dismissal mode
According to MCC's Laws of Cricket, a batter is given out for obstructing the field under the following circumstances:
37.1.1 Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, and while the ball is in play, he/she wilfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action. See also Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).
37.1.2 The striker is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, he/she wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This will apply whether it is the first strike or a second or subsequent strike. The act of receiving the ball shall extend both to playing at the ball and to striking the ball more than once in defence of his/her wicket.
37.1.3 This Law will apply whether or not No ball is called.
37.1.4 For the avoidance of doubt, if an umpire feels that a batter, in running between the wickets, has significantly changed his direction without probable cause and thereby obstructed a fielder’s attempt to effect a run out, the batter should, on appeal, be given out, obstructing the field. It shall not be relevant whether a run out would have occurred or not.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Sporting News has editorial oversight for this content. Learn more >