In a noteworthy moment during the IPL 2024 clash between CSK and RR, Kumar Sangakkara remarked referring to Ravindra Jadeja‘s rare dismissal for obstructing the field. This incident marked Ravindra Jadeja’s entry as the third player in IPL history to be given out in such a manner.
Kumar Sangakkara, a name synonymous with elegance and grit, is a retired Sri Lankan cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. His career spanned across formats, leaving an indelible mark on Test and ODI cricket. Sangakkara’s cricketing journey began in 2000 and continued for a glorious 15 years.
Kumar Sangakkara amassed a staggering amount of runs, scoring over 12,400 runs in Test cricket at an impressive average of 57.40, and over 14,200 runs in ODIs with an average of 41.98. His consistency was phenomenal, with 38 Test centuries and 25 ODI centuries to his name. Beyond statistics, Sangakkara was known for his classical technique, exceptional temperament, and ability to bat for long periods, often bailing Sri Lanka out of tough situations. After his retirement in 2015, he transitioned into coaching roles and administrative positions within cricket. In 2021, he was appointed the Director of Cricket for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL.
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.
Why Was Ravindra Jadeja Given Out
During the IPL 2024 match against Rajasthan Royals at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai Super Kings’ Ravindra Jadeja sparked controversy when he was given out for obstructing the field. The all-rounder was adjudged to have deliberately impeded the ball from hitting the stumps during an attempted run-out. Despite this incident, CSK emerged victorious, securing a five-wicket win by reaching 145/5 in 18.2 overs, chasing Rajasthan Royals’ total of 141/5.
In a dramatic turn of events during the 16th over, the incident unfolded amidst a backdrop of uproar from the stadium crowd.
Jadeja guided a shortish delivery from Avesh Khan towards third man and tried for a second run. However, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who didn’t respond to the call, sent him back. Sanju Samson retrieved the throw and swiftly threw it at the other end, catching Jadeja off guard on his way back.
Rajasthan Royals appealed for obstructing the field as Jadeja turned within a significant radius. The third umpire ruled that Jadeja was aware of the ball’s position and intentionally altered his course to intercept the throw, thus impeding its progress towards the intended destination.
The third umpire’s decision went against Jadeja, resulting in the all-rounder being declared out for obstructing the field. Referring to clause 37.1 of the Laws of Cricket as mentioned above, the third umpire adjudged him out.
Jadeja expressed discontent with the decision, contending that the ball inadvertently hit his back and was not a deliberate act to halt its progress. He engaged in a discussion with the umpires before reluctantly departing from the field.
RR’s Director of Cricket On The Topic
When questioned about Jadeja’s dismissal, RR’s Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara remarked that it is simply how the law operates.
Sangakkara said at the post-match press conference,
“The law says that if a batter changes his direction and gets in the way of the throw, it is considered an obstruction. The rule was changed for the same reason a few years back,” said Kumar Sangakkara.
“Even if you are (running) in the middle, and if the ball hits your body, it’s considered out. Had he (Jadeja) run straight on the side where he stopped, it wouldn’t have been a problem at all,” he added.