Chennai Super Kings batting coach Michael Hussey expressed his opinion on Sunday, suggesting that the decision to dismiss Ravindra Jadeja for obstructing the field could have swung either way. Jadeja became only the third batter in IPL history to be given out for obstructing the field after a misunderstanding with skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad during their chase against Rajasthan Royals.
As Jadeja declined to attempt a second run despite being halfway down the pitch, the fielder threw the ball to wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, who aimed it at the bowler’s end. The throw struck Jadeja, prompting an appeal from RR, and the third umpire concluded that Jadeja was aware of the ball’s direction.
“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 during the post-match interaction. “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.”
The match was a low-scoring affair, with the hosts winning by five wickets to maintain their hopes of reaching the playoffs. Hussey commented on the pitch, stating his satisfaction as it provided a fair contest between the two teams.
“Towards the back end of the tournament, the pitches tend to get a bit slower. But I loved the game today — it was one of those close contests,” he stated. “You needed to show some skills (on this wicket). The way the Rajasthan bowlers bowled, particularly the spinners, summed up the conditions and bowled accordingly.” There were a total of 90 dot balls during the tie (45 in each innings).
“Although the pitch was slow, it wasn’t unplayable. We’re chasing a low total and did not have to take too many risks, which resulted in so many dot balls,” he added.
One of the notable performers for CSK in the match was pacer Simarjeet Singh, who recorded his best IPL bowling figures of three for 36.
“That’s the exciting thing for us; we’ve got some really good talents. He hasn’t been able to get the opportunities because we have so many good bowlers up-front.”
Hussey attributed his performance to the team’s depth of talent.
“So happy for him to get the opportunity, and he has shown how good he is. He has been training hard, and he has been excellent whenever he has got the chance.”
If Jadeja had run directly, there wouldn’t have been an issue: Sangakkara
In response to inquiries about Jadeja’s dismissal, RR’s Director of Cricket Kumar Sangakkara stated that it is in accordance with the law.
“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,” he articulated.
“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.”
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