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A controversial moment unfolded during Chennai Super Kings' (CSK) chase against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on May 12 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in the IPL 2024 match. All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who had scored only 5 runs, found himself dismissed for obstructing the field at a critical juncture in the second innings. The incident occurred in the 16th over. After playing the ball towards third man, Jadeja initially attempted a second run but was called back by his captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad. As he sprinted back to the crease, a throw from RR captain Sanju Samson deflected off Jadeja's body. The Royals appealed for obstructing the field, and the third umpire, upon review, upheld the appeal. This dismissal marked the first instance of a player being adjudged out for obstructing the field in the IPL 2024 season. However, Jadeja's dismissal didn't affect CSK's run chase as they ended up winning the match by five wickets to inch closer to playoffs.
Watch Ravindra Jadeja's dismissal
What happens under the rules if a batter gets out in such fashion?
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)."
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."
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Who gets credit for the dismissal and when is it excused?
Similar to a run-out situation, the bowler doesn't receive credit for a dismissal due to obstructing the field. The dismissal itself goes under the category of 'Out Obstructing the Field.
There are a couple of scenarios where a batter might be spared for obstructing the field:
Preventing Injury: If the batter attempts to avoid a potential injury by obstructing the fielder's path, the umpires might show leniency as per Law 34.3.
Second Attempt at Stopping the Ball: If the batter makes a second, legitimate attempt to stop the ball from hitting the stumps (as outlined in Law 34.3), they might avoid getting out.
The case of a No Ball
Even if the dismissal for obstructing the field happens during a no-ball delivery, the consequences are twofold:
Batter Still Out: The batter will be dismissed regardless of the no-ball.
Free Hit for Next Ball: However, the incoming batter or the non-striker will benefit from a free hit on the following delivery. This means the bowler cannot bowl a dismissal delivery (like LBW or bowled) on that free hit. The batting team can only be penalized through a run-out or another form of dismissal that doesn't involve the bowler's delivery. Additionally, any runs scored off the free hit will be added to the batting team's total.
Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front
CSK captain Ruturaj Gaikwad led from the front, steering his team to a convincing five-wicket victory over RR at Chepauk in their IPL 2024 encounter on May 12. This win strengthens CSK's push for a coveted playoff spot, while RR slump to their third consecutive defeat. CSK bowlers set the tone, restricting RR to a modest 141 for 5 wickets. Pacer Simarjeet Singh emerged as the hero with a stellar three-wicket haul. In reply, Gaikwad anchored the chase with a composed 42 runs off 41 balls, ensuring CSK crossed the finish line comfortably.
This victory propels CSK to the third position in the points table, while RR remain unchanged in second place. However, the fight for the top four intensifies for the defending champions. With 14 points from 13 games, CSK needs a win in their final match to secure a playoff berth.
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