Indian T20 League
Chennai Super Kings' Ravindra Jadeja found himself at the center of controversy during the IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium. The all-rounder was controversially given out for obstructing the field after being adjudged to have intentionally impeded the ball from hitting the stumps during an attempted run out.
Despite the setback of Jadeja's unusual dismissal, Chennai Super Kings managed to secure victory by five wickets. They chased down Rajasthan Royals' total of 141/5, reaching 145/5 in 18.2 overs.
Jadeja, undoubtedly, would have rued the umpire's decision as his dismissal in such manner placed Chennai Super Kings in a precarious situation. Nonetheless, the team rallied and ultimately emerged victorious in the match.
The incident happened in the 16th over in dramatic fashion as the stadium erupted in derision.
Jadeja glided a shortish delivery from Avesh Khan towards third man and attempted a second run. He was sent back by Ruturaj Gaikwad, who did not react to the call. Sanju Samson collected the throw and then fired in at the other end, catching Jadeja on the back in the process.
Rajasthan Royals appealed for obstructing the field as Jadeja turned with a sizeable radius. The third umpire decided that Jadeja knew where the ball was and therefore turned in a way to cut off the throw reaching the destined end.
The third umpire ruled against Jadeja, and the all-rounder was given out for obstructing the field. The third umpire took recourse to clause 37.1 of the Laws of Cricket and ruled him out.
Clause 37.1.4 of Laws of Cricket says, "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 affect a runout, 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.
Jadeja was unhappy with the decision as he argued that the ball accidentally struck his back, and it was not a deliberate attempt to stop it. He argued with the umpires before finally leaving the field.
Inputs from IANS