Kolkata Knight Riders batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been fined 20% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for breaching Level 1 of the Indian Premier League Code of Conduct during the clash against Lucknow Super Giants on Sunday, April 26.
The sanction followed Raghuvanshi’s aggressive reaction to a controversial obstructing-the-field dismissal in the fifth over. The appeal was referred to the third umpire by on-field officials Keyur Kelkar and Abhijeet Bengeri after a throw from mid-on struck Raghuvanshi as he dived back at the striker’s end. TV umpire Rohan Pandit ruled that the batter had significantly changed his direction while returning to the crease and upheld the appeal.
Raghuvanshi then engaged in a prolonged discussion with the umpires, indicating that he needed space to turn and could not have made a sharp 180-degree change in direction after aborting his run. On his way back to the pavilion, he showed visible frustration, striking the boundary cushion with his bat and throwing his helmet. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar was also seen in an animated exchange with the fourth umpire.
Angkrish gets out obstructing the field, argues with umpire
The IPL penalised Raghuvanshi under Article 2.2 of its Code of Conduct, which deals with the abuse of cricket equipment or ground fixtures during a match. The league noted that he struck the boundary cushion aggressively and later threw his helmet into the dugout in a similar manner. Raghuvanshi admitted to the offence and accepted the sanction imposed by match referee Javagal Srinath.
Speaking about the match, KKR prevailed in a thrilling Super Over finish. They posted 155 in their 20 overs, powered by a late onslaught from Rinku Singh, who remained unbeaten on 83. LSG struggled in their chase, losing wickets at regular intervals, but late contributions from Ayush Badoni and Himmat Singh kept them in contention.
KKR, however, dominated the Super Over. Sunil Narine dismissed Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram with just one run on the board. Ajinkya Rahane’s side chased down the target on the very first ball to seal a dramatic victory.
