• Sportzyverse
• IPL 2024
• 05/12/2024
• 0 Comments

In a surprising turn of events, Ravindra Jadeja of Chennai Super Kings was given out for “obstructing the field” in a high-intensity game against Rajasthan Royals at Chepauk Stadium.

The event took place in the 16th over of the game, when Ruturaj Gaikwad turned down the player’s demand for a second run. As a result, Jadeja was left stranded in the middle of the pitch. Despite Sanju Samson failing to hit the stumps and hitting Jadeja instead, the umpires deemed him out. The player was dismissed for 5 off 7 balls.

Sanju Samson’s throw hit Jadeja

Amidst the tension, the third umpire’s decision to give Jadeja out for obstructing the field sparked a heated debate. The umpire, whose voice could be heard making the decision on air, claimed that Jadeja had anticipated Samson’s throw, leading him to change the direction of his run. This move was interpreted as a deliberate attempt to obstruct the field, resulting in his dismissal.

Ravindra Jadeja given out obstructing the field.

– 3rd time happened in IPL history. pic.twitter.com/lJNolzBc1L

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 12, 2024

What is Obstructing the field?

According to the MCC Laws of Cricket Rule 37.1.1, a batter is out Obstructing the field “if and while the ball is in play, he/she willfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by words or action.”

In Ravindra Jadeja’s case, the third umpire felt that the batter knew where the opposition was going to throw. Hence, instead of running in a straight line to get back inside his crease, he changed direction deliberately to get into the line of the ball.

Therefore, when the ball hit his body, it created an obstruction on the field. Even though the ball didn’t hit the stump but his body, Ravindra Jadeja was given out. He became the third player after Yusuf Pathan and Amit Mishra to be dismissed in this manner.

Also read MS Dhoni was the mastermind behind Jadeja’s Prank: reveals Deshpande

CSK reign supreme at home

Coming to the game, Chennai Super Kings found themselves in all sorts of troubles during the middle overs while chasing a small target of 142. Despite a good powerplay that saw 42 runs being scored, they lost regular wickets, creating unnecessary and excessive pressure.

However, Ruturaj Gaikwad played a captain’s knock to ensure there were no hiccups towards the end of the inning. He scored 42 runs from 41 balls and kept the scoreboard ticking, while Sameer Rizvi scored a quickfire 15 off 8 balls to take his team over the line with 5 wickets and 10 balls to spare.

This was a crucial win, Chennai Super Kings can now rest easy at the 3rd position at the points table. The job however for them is not done yet. They still need to defeat RCB in the final game to ensure a qualification to playoff stages.