Angkrish Raghuvanshi, the young batter representing Kolkata Knight Riders, has been penalised by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) following an on-field outburst during an IPL 2026 match against Lucknow Super Giants.
Why Was Raghuvanshi Penalised?
Raghuvanshi was found guilty of breaching Level 1 of the IPL Code of Conduct under Article 2.2, which relates to the abuse of cricket equipment or ground fixtures.
- He was fined 20% of his match fees
- He received one demerit point
- The player accepted the offence and sanction
The incident occurred after he was adjudged out for “obstructing the field,” a decision that triggered visible frustration.
What Happened on the Field?
During the fifth over of KKR’s innings:
- Raghuvanshi attempted a quick single but was sent back mid-run
- While diving to make his ground, the ball struck him
- Mohammed Shami appealed for obstruction
- Third umpire ruled him out after reviewing replays
Unhappy with the decision, Raghuvanshi reacted angrily:
- Hit the boundary cushion with his bat
- Threw his helmet towards the dugout
- Engaged in a brief argument with on-field umpires
Coach Abhishek Nayar Escapes Sanction
KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar was also seen in a heated discussion with the fourth umpire following the dismissal. However, no disciplinary action was taken against him.
Match Result and Key Performances
Despite the controversy, the match turned out to be a thriller:
- KKR defeated LSG in a Super Over
- Rinku Singh was named Player of the Match
- The win moved KKR to eighth place in the points table
- LSG slipped to the bottom of the standings
What ‘Obstructing the Field’ Means
“Obstructing the field” is a rare dismissal in cricket where a batter is judged to have deliberately interfered with a fielder’s attempt to effect a run-out.
In this case, the third umpire concluded that Raghuvanshi’s movement during the dive was intentional, leading to the decision.
