Chennai Super Kings (CSK) versatile performer Ravindra Jadeja encountered a contentious decision of obstructing the field against Rajasthan Royals in the pulsating IPL 2024 clash at Chepauk on a memorable Sunday May 12. The stylish lefthander departed after a brief knock accumulating a mere five runs off six deliveries injecting intrigue as the match approached its crucial final four overs.
The disputed dismissal occurred in the 16th over of CSK’s innings. Avesh Khan produced a short ball, which Jadeja played towards third man. Ravindra Jadeja was halfway down the pitch for the second run, but Rutu was not interested.
The defender sent it straight to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who took a shot at the stumps from the non-striker’s end. He tossed the ball, which struck Jadeja, who watched it for a few minutes before running to safety.
Anil Chaudhary, the third umpire, stated that Ravindra Jadeja was monitoring the ball and knew where it was going. So he appeared certain that Jadeja had purposefully reversed direction. However, the angle appeared to be normal for the left-hander. After being ruled out on the huge screen, the 35-year-old approached the on-field umpire and went off the field.
Watch the video below:
Was Ravindra Jadeja out or not out? What does the rule say?
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Rule 37.1 states:
“37.1.1 – 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. See also Law 34 (Hit the ball twice).”
It adds:
“37.1.2 – The striker is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, in the act of receiving a ball delivered by the bowler, he/she wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat. This will apply whether it is the first strike or a second or subsequent strike. The act of receiving the ball shall extend both to playing at the ball and to striking the ball more than once in defence of his/her wicket.”
CSK secured a fivewicket victory against RR elevating them to third place on the points table with seven wins in 13 matches. In contrast RR maintained their second position with eight victories in 12 games.