WATCH: Rajasthan’s cheeky attempt to switch batters gets picked up umpire; replays show Sangakkara involved
A queer incident involving Kumar Sangakkara during the crucial game between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals gained massive attention as Rajasthan Royals tried to pull a swift move to deceive the opposition and umpire, but the cameras (and the umpire mopped it up in full) forcing them to stick to the original move.
The incident unfolded in the second innings after Sanju Samson was out caught at short mid-wicket off the bowling of Shivam Mavi. As Samson walked back, cameras showed Shivam Dube walking into the field of play. Dube was instantly recalled as he made his way out with Anuj Rawat, the wicketkeeper batter who came into the XI today, asked to go in.
However, as Dube had already entered the field of play, it wasn’t possible to make the swap and the umpire, laughing at the quick one RR tried to pull on him, instantly asked RR to switch their batter.
Dube once again walked out to bat with Rawat going back into the dugout.
According to MCC laws, a batsman’s innings is counted as commenced once he enters the field of play.
Law 25.2 Commencement of a batter’s innings
The innings of the first two batters, and that of any new batter on the resumption of play after a call of Time, shall commence at the call of Play. At any other time, a batter’s innings shall be considered to have commenced when that batter first steps onto the field of play.
WATCH THE INCIDENT HERE:
— No caption needed (@jabjabavas) October 7, 2021
Replays later showed Sri Lanka legend Kumar Sangakkara, the Rajasthan Royals coach, was the one involved in the decision to call back Dube and send Rawat in. The coach seemed confused that Dube had walked out when it seemed like he clearly wanted Rawat in.
WATCH SANGAKKARA MAKE A CHEEKY MOVE
— No caption needed (@jabjabavas) October 7, 2021
The confusion had the commentators and umpires in splits, but the Rajasthan camp, already well behind in the game after conceding a tall total and losing two wickets upfront, weren’t a pleased lot.
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Sangakkara, the first non-British President in the history of MCC should know the rules better than most.