The Ekana Stadium, Lucknow was the scene of controversy during a high-stakes Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 match. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) match was an already-tense encounter, since both side were way down in the standings; however, more attention focused on an incident during the game.
KKR player Angkrish Raghuvanshi was given out in a very rare occurrence for obstructing the field. His exit from play for obstructing the field is one of few instances where such an event occurred in IPL history.
How Was Angkrish Raghuvanshi Given Out for Obstructing the Field?
The third umpire during that LSG vs KKR match believed 21-year-old Raghuvanshi deliberately switched direction to get back to the crease area after an obvious mix with Cameron Green.
The umpire’s call drew immediate criticism as analysts thought the decision was unfair to Raghuvanshi. Dismissals of other players for obstructing the field throughout IPL history also attracted media attention right after such events.
List of Obstructing the Field Dismissals in IPL History
1. Yusuf Pathan – for KKR vs PWI in IPL 2013
The first-ever dismissal for obstructing the field was received by another KKR player during IPL 2013. KKR’s Yusuf Pathan faced the now-defunct Pune Warriors India (PWI) at a league match hosted in Ranchi that season.
Pathan’s team were chasing 171 runs in that game, and the cricketer deployed quick-fire hits to ensure his side secured maximum points against their opposition. The batter hit 72 runs off 44 balls in a blitz that included 2 sixes and 8 boundaries.
Pathan got docked for an unexpected action on his part during the 18th over (17.5). The cricketer was adjudged to have deliberately hit the ball away from a PWI bowler looking to get him out in that match.
The umpires entertained PWI’s appeal after this incident, and Pathan was given out after deliberation. His dismissal triggered a resurgence in PWI, and KKR ended up losing the match by just 7 runs.
2. Amit Mishra – for DC vs SRH in IPL 2019
Delhi Capitals (DC) batsman Amit Mishra is the second player to receive a dismissal or obstructing the field in IPL history. His rare but justified exit from play came during an IPL 2019 between DC and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
DC needed a couple of runs from 3 balls during the IPL 2019 Eliminator match in Vishakhapatnam. His side were chasing 163 while his side had 3 wickets over SRH. He tried to get in a single against SRH’s Khaleel Ahmed during the 20th over and changed his direction while approaching and was hit by the ball.
The umpire ruled that Mishra obstructed play and had to leave the field. However, his dismissal did not lead to defeat for DC as Mishra’s teammate Keemo Paul stepped up to strike. He hit a boundary in the next delivery to ensure a victory by 2 wickets.
3. Ravindra Jadeja – for CSK vs RR in IPL 2024
Ravindra Jadeja became the third cricketer in IPL history to receive a dismissal for obstructing the field. Jadeja played for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in that season, as the 5-time IPL winners faced his current franchise the Rajasthan Royals (RR).
RR posted a low 141/5 total after batting for 20 overs, and that tally triggered CSK to a rally that required 22 runs off 26 balls. Jadeja stepped up for CSK and delivered a single with ease against RR’s Avesh Khan. He joined forces with Ruturaj Gaikwad to deliver another increase to CSK’s tally, but a follow-up incident cut his time in the game.
An umpire ruled that Jadeja obstructed Sanju Samson while the latter made a throw during the game. The umpire believed Jadeja was ball-watching and decided to call him out for 5 runs.
CSK dug deep after Jadeja’s exit and ended up winning the game in a little over 18 overs by five wickets.
4. Angkrish Raghuvanshi – for KKR vs LSG in IPL 2026
Raghuvanshi became the fourth IPL cricketer to receive a dismissal for obstructing play after he was hit by a quick ball from LSG’s Prince Yadav during the group fixture.
The umpire’s argument for making such a decision hinged on Raghuvanshi’s movement. They claimed if Angkrish had turned to leave his position, it would have resulted in another breach since he was at the central area of play. The umpires say Raghuvanshi would have received a separate dismissal for damaging the play area in a bid to justify their decision.
Several analysts faulted the decision and fans were visibly upset after this call.
