Ravindra Jadeja joined a rare list of IPL players after being dismissed for obstructing the field during the IPL 2024 match between Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) at Chepauk on Sunday (May 12).
The incident unfolded because of a miscommunication between Jadeja and CSK skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad, which led to the former declining a second run despite being halfway down the pitch.
As a result, the RR fielder at third man threw the ball to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who targeted the bowler's end. However, the throw hit Jadeja, prompting an appeal from Rajasthan Royals.
After watching the replay from multiple angles, the third umpire came to a conclusion that Jadeja was aware of the ball's trajectory and declared him out.
Reflecting on Jadeja's dismissal, Rajasthan Royals' Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara said that it is how the law works.
"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," Sangakkara said in the post-match presser.
"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.
On the other hand, CSK batting coach Michael Hussey opined that the decision to give Ravindra Jadeja out for obstructing the field could have swung either way.
"Didn't look closely at it. He did try to turn around, so he changed his angle a little bit. But he didn't change his angle while running straight," Hussey told reporters in the post-match press conference.
"I can see both sides of the story. I can understand the umpire making the decision. The rule says you cannot change your line, so maybe, it was a fair call," he further remarked.
Coming to the match, Chennai Super Kings registered a convincing five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals to keep their playoffs hopes alive.
Opting to bat first, the Royals posted a below-par 141/5 in 20 overs on a two-paced track. Riyan Parag was the top scorer with 47* off 35 balls.
Medium-pacer Simarjeet Singh starred with the ball for CSK, claiming three wickets by conceding 26 runs in his four overs.
In reply, the hosts overhauled the target with 10 deliveries to spare. While skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad anchored the chase with 42 not off 41 balls, the likes of Rachin Ravindra (27) and Daryl Mitchell (22) chipped in with handy contributions.
