IPL 2025: The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) got off to a thrilling start with a clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens. While the match witnessed explosive batting and key breakthroughs, one moment in particular sparked debate—the near-dismissal of Sunil Narine for a hit wicket.
The incident took place during the seventh over of KKR’s innings. Rasikh Salam bowled a short-pitched delivery that sailed well over Narine’s head, prompting the umpire to immediately call it a wide. However, in the process of attempting a pull shot, Narine’s bat clipped the stumps, dislodging a bail. RCB made a half-hearted appeal, with Rajat Patidar and Tim David seen encouraging their teammates to push for the dismissal. But their efforts were in vain, as the umpire ruled the ball dead due to the wide being signalled before the bails were dislodged.
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According to the MCC laws of cricket, a batter can be given out hit wicket if they disturb the stumps with their bat, body, or equipment during the delivery or while playing the shot. However, the timing of the incident is crucial. In Narine’s case, since the umpire had already called the wide, the ball was considered dead. As per Law 20.1.1.1, once the ball is deemed dead, any subsequent action—such as a hit wicket—holds no validity.
Interestingly, a batter can still be dismissed hit wicket on a wide ball, but only if the stumps are dislodged before the ball is officially called dead. For instance, if a player steps on their stumps while attempting to hit a wide delivery, they can be given out. However, in this case, the sequence of events was key—Narine’s bat made contact with the stumps after the wide had been signalled, rendering any appeal meaningless.
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The incident, though inconsequential in the final outcome, highlighted a rare and often misunderstood rule in cricket. For RCB, it was a missed opportunity as Narine, alongside Ajinkya Rahane, continued to pile on the runs. While RCB players were visibly frustrated by the lack of appeal, the laws were clear—once the wide was called, the ball was dead, and Narine was safe.
This close call served as a reminder of the fine margins and technicalities that define the game of cricket, where the timing of an umpire’s signal can be the difference between a dismissal and a lucky escape.
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