Chennai Super Kings’ Ravindra Jadeja was given out obstructing the field after running in the line of wicketkeeper Sanju Samson’s throw in an IPL 2024 match.
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Ravindra Jadeja was dismissed in bizarre fashion in the 16th over in the match against Rajasthan R0yals at Chepauk. Off the fifth ball of the over, he pushed a delivery towards the off side and ran off, but a miscommunication with non-striker Ruturaj Gaikwad over a second run left him midway on the pitch.
Rajasthan wicketkeeper Sanju Samson received the throw from short fine leg and threw the ball at the non-striker’s end. The frame of Jadeja, running back, came in the way of the throw, sparking confusion whether he had obstructed the throw with his running path.
The third umpire was consulted, who confirmed that Jadeja’s running path had changed and that he came in the way of the throw. He was adjudged out obstructing the field.
In the past, Yusuf Pathan and Amit Mishra have been out for obstruction in the IPL, while this was the 20th such dismissal in all men’s T20.
Interestingly, Jadeja was accused of obstruction earlier in the tournament as well, in a similar situation, but Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins refrained from going through with an appeal. At that time, former India batter Mohammad Kaif was of the opinion that Cummins’ decision to not appeal was more of a tactical call.
Jadeja was seen having a brief discussion with the umpires before walking away. CSK won comfortably by five runs, with ten balls to spare.