During the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) match between Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, SRH skipper Pat Cummins opted to withdraw the appeal for obstructing the field against CSK’s Ravindra Jadeja.
The incident unfolded in the 19th over of CSK’s innings when Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered a precise yorker, causing Jadeja to attempt a forceful shot but only managing to send the ball back to the bowler. With Jadeja out of his crease, Bhuvneshwar attempted to run him out with a throw at the stumps, resulting in Jadeja getting struck on the spine.
As a result of this obstruction, the umpires referred the decision to the third umpire, however, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) captain Pat Cummins decided to withdraw the appeal. However, former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif had a different view to it. He posted his views on social media.
Two questions to Pat Cummins on withdrawing the obstructing the field appeal against Jadeja. Was it a tactical call to let a struggling Jadeja be the crease and keep Dhoni indoors? Would he have done the same if it was Virat Kohli at World T20?
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) April 5, 2024
Despite this, CSK struggled to capitalize on their momentum, ending their innings with a below-par total of 165/5. Although Shivam Dube showcased form with a brisk 45 off 24 balls and Ajinkya Rahane contributed a steady 35 off 30 balls, CSK’s batting lineup failed to fully exploit the pitch conditions.
The notable highlight of CSK’s innings was the 65-run partnership between Dube and Rahane for the third wicket in just 6.3 overs. However, CSK’s scoring rate slowed down significantly in the final five overs, adding only 37 runs, which proved to be crucial in determining the match’s outcome. Ravindra Jadeja remained unbeaten with 31 off 23 balls, while former captain MS Dhoni ended the innings with one run from two balls.
Sunrisers Hyderabad chased down the target in 18.1 overs. Although Aiden Markram scored 50 runs from 36 balls, it was Abhishek Sharma’s performance in the powerplay that was the real deal, who scored 37 runs of 12 balls and gave SRH a flying start.
