‘Obstructing The Field’ Dismissal Upsets Jadeja; Here’s What Happened. Check Relevant Rule

Chennai: There are certain modes of dismissal in cricket which hurt badly.

One such is being ruled out for ‘obstructing the field’.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) allrounder Ravindra Jadeja was at the receiving end in the crucial IPL match against Rajasthan Royals at Chennai’s M A Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing 142 to win on a slow pitch, misfortune struck the Team India allrounder when he looked for a second run in the fifth ball of the 16th over.

Rushing to make the crease at non-striker’s end, Jadeja looked back at Rajasthan skipper and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson wo had the ball in his gloves. As Samson aimed at the stumps, Jadeja came in the way and was struck by the ball, thereby avoiding being run out.

Samson and other Rajasthan players appealed as they felt Jadeja had changed track and deliverately obstructed the field.

The on-field umpires referred the decision to the TV official, who ruled Jadeja out.

Jadeja was hardly impressed, walking up to the umpire to ask why he had been given out. He eventually left the field an unhappy man. He must have felt better when CSK won by 5 wickets.

Interestingly, this was the second time in IPL that Jadeja was ‘dismissed’ for obstructing the field. However, in the previous case, Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper Pat Cummins decided to withdraw the appeal. On Sunday, Samson wasn’t ready to be so magnanimous.

Jadeja became the third batter to be out for obstructing the field in IPL.

The previous victims were:

* Yusuf Pathan (Kolkata Knight Riders) — vs Pune Warriors (2013)

* Amit Mishra (Delhi Capitals) — vs Sunrisers Hyderabad (2019).

What Is Obstructing The Field dismissal law

Rule 37.1.1 of MCC Laws — 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).

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.

37.1.3 — This Law will apply whether or not No ball is called.