Shocking IPL 2026: Raghuvanshi Out Obstructing Field vs LSG
Synopsis
KKR's Angkrish Raghuvanshi became only the 4th batter in IPL history dismissed for obstructing the field against LSG in Lucknow on April 26, 2026. The rare ruling by third umpire Rohan Pandit left KKR furious, with head coach Abhishek Nayar confronting the fourth umpire in a dramatic on-field controversy.
Key Takeaways
Angkrish Raghuvanshi of KKR became the 4th batter in IPL history to be dismissed for obstructing the field on April 26, 2026 .
The dismissal occurred on the last ball of the 5th over of KKR's innings, when Raghuvanshi was on 9 runs off 7 balls .
Third umpire Rohan Pandit ruled that Raghuvanshi deliberately changed his running path , interfering with the fielding side's throw.
LSG captain Rishabh Pant and teammates made the appeal, which was upheld after a detailed review.
KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar confronted the fourth umpire over the ruling, but the decision stood unchanged.
Previous IPL obstructing the field dismissals: Yusuf Pathan (2013) , Amit Mishra (2019) , and Ravindra Jadeja (2024) — with KKR involved in two of the four such incidents.
Lucknow, April 26: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi made unwanted IPL history on Sunday, April 26, 2026, becoming only the fourth player ever to be dismissed for obstructing the field in the Indian Premier League (IPL), during KKR's match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow. The rare and controversial dismissal instantly sparked furious reactions from the KKR camp.
How the Rare Dismissal Unfolded
The incident took place on the final delivery of the fifth over of KKR's batting innings. Raghuvanshi, who had scored 9 runs off 7 balls, drove the ball toward mid-on off LSG pacer Prince Yadav and initially set off for a quick single.
However, KKR all-rounder Cameron Green called him back mid-run, prompting Raghuvanshi to abort the attempt and turn back toward his crease. In making that return, he switched sides of the pitch and was struck by the incoming throw from the fielder.
Third Umpire's Decision and LSG's Appeal
LSG captain Rishabh Pant and his teammates immediately launched a strong appeal for obstructing the field. The on-field umpires referred the matter to third umpire Rohan Pandit, who reviewed multiple camera angles of the incident.
After a detailed review, Rohan Pandit ruled that Raghuvanshi had deliberately altered his running path while attempting to regain his crease, thereby intentionally interfering with the fielding side's throw. The decision was upheld and Raghuvanshi was given out.
KKR Camp's Furious Reaction
The decision visibly enraged Raghuvanshi, who argued with the on-field umpires before walking off. He vented his frustration by striking the boundary cushion and hurling his helmet upon returning to the dugout, as KKR teammates looked on in disbelief.
KKR Head Coach Abhishek Nayar engaged in an intense discussion with the fourth umpire over the controversial ruling, but the decision stood firm with no reversal possible under the laws of cricket.
Only the Fourth Such Dismissal in IPL History
This dismissal places Raghuvanshi in a very exclusive — and unwanted — club of IPL players dismissed for obstructing the field. The three players before him were Yusuf Pathan (for KKR in 2013), Amit Mishra (for Delhi Capitals in 2019), and Ravindra Jadeja (for Chennai Super Kings in 2024).
Notably, KKR has now been involved in two of the four such dismissals in IPL history — Yusuf Pathan in 2013 and now Raghuvanshi in 2026 — an unusual statistical footnote for the franchise.
Broader Implications for IPL Umpiring and Player Awareness
This incident reignites a broader debate about player awareness of cricket's lesser-known dismissal laws, particularly in the high-pressure, fast-paced environment of T20 cricket. The obstructing the field law under MCC Law 37 remains one of the rarest modes of dismissal in all formats of the game globally.
The controversy also puts a spotlight on the Decision Review System (DRS) and the role of the third umpire in adjudicating complex on-field situations that go beyond simple edge detection. Critics argue that greater player education around running between wickets and pitch-side protocols is urgently needed at the franchise level.
As IPL 2026 progresses into its crucial latter stages, this dismissal is likely to dominate cricketing discussions and could prompt the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and team coaching staff to revisit player briefings on such rare but match-altering rules.
Point of View
The fact that a KKR batter in 2026 could be dismissed for a law that has only been invoked three times in 19 years of IPL history suggests player education remains dangerously superficial. More tellingly, KKR — one of the IPL's most storied franchises — has now been on the wrong end of this ruling twice, raising questions about institutional memory within the franchise. The fury directed at umpires, rather than inward reflection, is itself a symptom of a broader culture where accountability is consistently deflected.
NationPress
4 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is obstructing the field dismissal in cricket?
Obstructing the field is a mode of dismissal under MCC Law 37, where a batter is given out if they deliberately obstruct or distract the fielding side with words or actions. It is one of the rarest dismissals in cricket, requiring clear evidence of intentional interference.
Who are the players dismissed for obstructing the field in IPL history?
As of IPL 2026, only four batters have been dismissed for obstructing the field in IPL history: Yusuf Pathan (KKR, 2013), Amit Mishra (Delhi Capitals, 2019), Ravindra Jadeja (CSK, 2024), and Angkrish Raghuvanshi (KKR, 2026). Raghuvanshi is the fourth such player.
Why was Angkrish Raghuvanshi given out for obstructing the field?
Third umpire Rohan Pandit ruled that Raghuvanshi deliberately altered his running path while returning to his crease, causing him to be struck by the fielding side's incoming throw and thereby intentionally interfering with the play. The appeal was made by LSG captain Rishabh Pant.
How did KKR react to Raghuvanshi's controversial dismissal?
Raghuvanshi visibly protested the decision, arguing with on-field umpires before striking the boundary cushion and throwing his helmet in frustration. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar held an intense discussion with the fourth umpire, but the decision was not reversed.
Which stadium hosted KKR vs LSG in IPL 2026 on April 26?
The match was played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on April 26, 2026. It is the home ground of the Lucknow Super Giants franchise.
