A rare incident took place in the Indian Premier League match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants on April 26. Young batter Angkrish Raghvanshi was given out for obstructing the field. This made him only the fourth player in IPL history to be dismissed in this manner.
The moment happened in the fifth over of the innings. Raghvanshi tapped the ball towards mid-on and tried to take a quick single. However, Cameron Green, at the non-striker’s end, sent him back.
While turning to return, Raghvanshi ran down the middle of the pitch. He then suddenly changed his direction. This movement came directly in the line of the ball and affected the fielder’s attempt to run him out.
What the rules say about the decision
The decision led to confusion and debate on the field. But third umpire Rohan Pandit followed the rules correctly.
As per IPL playing conditions, a batter cannot change direction significantly while running unless there is a valid reason. Clause 37.1.4 clearly explains this situation.
“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,” reads the said clause.
The umpire checked if there was any valid reason for the movement. Since no clear cause was found, the decision was given out.
This type of dismissal is very rare in IPL history. Raghvanshi now joins Yusuf Pathan, Amit Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja on the list.
The incident added another unusual moment to the tournament’s history.
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