Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane was on Friday given out in a bizarre fashion but was called back later in the Ranji Trophy. Rahane, who is playing for Mumbai against Assam, was given out for obstructing the field. However, the batter returned to the crease after Assam withdrew their appeal.
The drama unfolded at the BKC Ground just before Tea. Rahane, who had just come on to bat, played a straight drive and ran off for a single. Shivam Dube, who was on the other end of the crease, denied the single and was quick to send Rahane back. Rahane ran back but got in the way of the throw from mid-on fielder Denish Das. Assam appealed to the umpire for obstructing the field and was given out promptly.
A visibly displeased Rahane walked back to the pavillion but the Assam team had changed their mind till then. Assam withdrew the appeal and Rahane was called back to the crease.
This was the second time that a batter was given out for obstructing the field in the Ranji Trophy this season. Previously, Meghalaya’s Jaskirat Singh was given out in a similar fashion against Mizoram, although that decision stood.