
How Axar Patel’s Blunder Let Virat Kohli Off the Hook and Hurt Delhi Capitals
4 days ago | 5 Views
Virat Kohli notched up another vital half-century, his sixth of the current IPL 2025 season, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru achieved their sixth consecutive victory away from home. RCB overcame Delhi Capitals by six wickets to ascend to the top of the standings, as they now find themselves on the brink of reaching the playoffs once more. However, the outcome might have turned out differently had Delhi Capitals captain Axar Patel intervened regarding Kohli obstructing the field during RCB's batting innings.
This occurred on the very first ball of the over post-powerplay when the visitors at the Arun Jaitley Stadium had Vipraj Nigam stepping in to bowl. RCB was already three wickets down within the initial six overs after Axar dismissed both debutant Jacob Bethell and Devdutt Padikkal, before captain Rajat Patidar fell prey to a remarkable run-out by Karun Nair.
Kohli, who was then on 15 runs from 14 balls, sent the slider from Nigam toward mid-wicket. Kuldeep Yadav quickly retrieved the ball, thus preventing a single, and then threw it back to the wicketkeeper KL Rahul. However, Kohli extended his hand and caught the ball, returning it to the bowler for the subsequent delivery. Kuldeep immediately made an appeal, albeit humorously, and consequently, none took notice of it.
But, wasn't that obstructing the field?
Had Axar thought about the appeal, or if any other team member had accompanied Kuldeep, Kohli's innings would have likely concluded there. The ball was still technically in play because it neither landed in the wicketkeeper's gloves nor would Delhi have considered it out of play. Per clause 37. 4 of the IPL Playing Conditions, "Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, at any time while the ball is in play and, without the consent of a fielder, he uses the bat or any part of his person to return the ball to any fielder. "
This instance is not the first occasion Kohli has evaded such a dismissal scare. Previously in the Champions Trophy this year, he intercepted a ball while batting in the match against Pakistan, prompting commentator Sunil Gavaskar to note that "lucky nobody appealed. "
Kohli not only achieved his fifty but also played a vital role in a significant 119-run partnership with Krunal Pandya, who smashed five fours and four sixes in his unbeaten 73 off 47 deliveries.
RCB, now positioned at the top of the standings, will aim to keep up their winning streak as the tournament progresses towards the playoffs.
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