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[Watch] Bizarre Dismissal Of Gujarat Batter Helps Kerala Reach The Ranji Trophy Final

Anurag Dasgupta

Bizarre dismissal in Ranji [Source: @super378/X.com] Bizarre dismissal in Ranji [Source: @super378/X.com]

The semi-finale of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 between Gujarat and Kerala couldn't have been more nail-biting as a last-ball finish decided the winner of the contest between the two sides. The match swung like a pendulum and at the last ball of the game, Gujarat needed 2 runs and Kerala needed just 1 wicket to seal the win.

However, in one of the most unusual and bizarre manner, the final wicket of the Gujarat side fell, giving Kerala a victory and thus taking them to the finals of the Ranji Trophy.

Gujarat batter, Arzan Nagwaswalla, the number 10 batter was at strike when his side needed 2 runs to win the match. The batter went for a wild slog and instead of clearing the fence, the ball ricocheted off the helmet of the short-leg fielder and popped up in the air as Sachin Baby took a simple catch at first slip. This bizarre mode of dismissal helped Kerala reach their first-ever Ranji Trophy finals.

This was an all-round team effort as the entire Kerala side played with grit and determination and sealed a memorable win for the team.

What is the rule regarding such catches?

As per the rules by the ICC, implemented in 2017, a player could be stumped, caught or run-out if the ball strikes the helmet of a close0in fielder.

The rule change came in effect when MCC panel, comprising of Ricky Ponting, Sourav Ganguly and Kumar Sangakkara came up with the rule that catches and stumping should be permitted if the ball comes off from a close-in fielders' helmet.