The Assam cricket team showcased true spirit by recalling Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane after he was dismissed for obstructing the field in the ongoing Ranji Trophy 2024 between both sides at the BKC ground on Friday (February 16).
Dramatic turn of events: Ajinkya Rahane’s obstructing the field
The incident unfolded in the final over before the tea break. Rahane, batting at 18, drove a delivery down to mid-on for a single, but non-striker Shivam Dube refused the run. As Rahane tried to return to the crease, the ball thrown by Assam captain Denish Das struck him, leading to an appeal for obstructing the field. The on-field umpire upheld the appeal, marking a rare dismissal for Rahane in his 16-year professional cricket career.
Tea Break drama: The appeal was withdrawn by Assam
As tea was taken with just two balls remaining in the 25th over, the Assam team made a surprising decision during the break. They chose to withdraw the appeal for obstructing the field, an action that needed to be executed before the next ball was bowled and accepted by the umpires for the batter to be recalled. The umpires accepted the withdrawal, and Rahane had a second chance to bat.
Mixed fortunes: Rahane’s return and subsequent dismissal
Rahane’s return to the crease was short-lived, as he was bowled by the same bowler four overs after the tea break, adding 22 runs to his tally. The twist in the tale showcased the ups and downs inherent in the game of cricket.
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Real reason behind the withdrawal of appeal
While Rahane and members of the Assam team maintained silence on the issue, Shardul Thakur disclosed that Assam coach Trevor Gonsalves took the initiative to walk up to the opponent’s dressing room, offering an apology and withdrawing the appeal.
“We don’t know what exactly the rule is. We were replaying the video and all we saw was that he was running in the straight line. At no point did he change his direction. The only direction that was changed was only when he took that turn and he wasn’t trying to obstruct the field. The umpires felt that he could be given out since the throw was aimed at stumps,” Shardul was quoted as saying by the Sportstar.
“Assam coach also saw the video, and he did not feel that Rahane had done it purposely. So, they wanted to withdraw the appeal. Since it was Tea, they could not convey it immediately. Their coach walked up to us and apologized for the appeal, which he felt was done at the heat of the moment. They conveyed it to the umpires also and it was mutually agreed that Rahane will go on to bat,” the 32-year-old concluded.
Shardul Thakur’s heroics and Mumbai’s dominance
On the bowling front, Shardul played a pivotal role, picking up 6 for 21 from 10.1 overs as Mumbai, opting to bowl first, bowled out Assam for just 84 runs in 32.1 overs. Mumbai, led by Rahane, has been dominant in the Ranji Trophy, currently topping Group B with 30 points after four wins, one draw, and a loss from six games. The team has already secured a spot in the quarter-finals.
Rahane’s Ranji Trophy 2024 season: A mix of challenges
While Rahane’s temporary dismissal and subsequent recall added a unique chapter to his Ranji season, the seasoned batter has faced challenges, accumulating just 112 runs from eight innings at an average of 16.00.
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