Former India batter Mohammad Kaif has suggested that Pat Cummins’ decision to not opt for an obstruction appeal against Ravindra Jadeja in IPL 2024 was a tactical call.

Jadeja was at the centre of a potential obstruction when he came in the way of a return throw from bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, copping a blow to his back in the process. The umpires converged, discussing whether to take the decision upstairs, but Cummins asked them not to go through with it.

Jadeja, on 25 off 20 at that point, remained unbeaten on 31 off 23 as Chennai Super Kings posted 165-5. After the incident, CSK managed nine runs off the final eight balls, including the dismissal of Daryl Mitchell.

Two questions to Pat Cummins on withdrawing the obstructing the field appeal against Jadeja. Was it a tactical call to let a struggling Jadeja be the crease and keep Dhoni indoors? Would he have done the same if it was Virat Kohli at World T20?

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 5, 2024

Kaif, writing on X, wondered whether Cummins’ decision was actually a tactical one, rather than fair play.

“Two questions to Pat Cummins on withdrawing the obstructing the field appeal against Jadeja. Was it a tactical call to let a struggling Jadeja be the crease and keep Dhoni indoors?

“Would he have done the same if it was Virat Kohli at World T20?”

According to clause 37.1.1 of the Obstructing the Field Law, “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.”

However, a batter shall not out be out obstructing the field “if the obstruction or distraction is accidental, or the obstruction is in order to avoid injury”.

SRH eventually eased to a six-wicket win: they are now fifth on the points table with two wins and as many losses. CSK, meanwhile, are at three, with as many wins and losses, but a better net run-rate.