First time in 16 years, Ajinkya Rahane given out for obstructing field; Assam shows big heart

In a dramatic turn of events during last league match of Ranji Trophy 2023-24 in Mumbai, veteran Indian batsman Ajinkya Rahane was given out for obstructing field. incident unfolded in final over before tea break. 

Assam gives Rahane a chance but batter fails to capitalize

Rahane, batting at 18 with Mumbai's score at 102 for 4, played a shot down to mid-on for a single off Assam's fast bowler Dibakar Johri's delivery. However, n-striker Shivam Dube declined run, causing Rahane to retreat. 

Assam captain Denish Das quickly threw ball to keeper's end, hitting Rahane as he tried to return to crease. Assam team appealed for obstructing field, resulting in Rahane's dismissal by on-field umpire. 

This marked first time in Rahane's 16-year-long professional cricket career that he was given out for obstructing field. tea break was taken with just two balls remaining in 25th over. Rahane and players from both teams went back to pavilion. 

Luck seemed to briefly favor Rahane as Assam chose to withdraw appeal during break. As per laws, appeal must be retracted before next ball is bowled, and if accepted by umpire, player will be reinstated to crease.

However, Rahane couldn't capitalize on opportunity given, as he was dismissed by Johri just four overs after play resumed. Rahane's struggles in domestic circuit persisted as he was out for 22 runs off 69 deliveries, contributing to his disappointing run in ongoing Ranji Trophy.

Throughout Ranji season, Rahane's contributions were limited, accumulating only 112 runs across 8 innings with an aver of just 16. Additionally, he missed two matches due to injuries, during which Shams Mulani and Dube took charge of leading team.