SRH vs CSK: Would you have done it to Kohli? Kaif questions Cummins for withdrawing appeal vs Jadeja

Match 18 of the IPL 2024 edition saw the Pat Cummins-led Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) thrash Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by six wickets in pursuit of 166 at theRajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Friday (April 5). During the game, captain Cummins made heads turn when he withdrew an appeal, i.e. of obstructing the field, against CSK all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja during the first half.

In the penultimate over of CSK's innings, bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jadeja was struggling to get the big hits. On the fourth ball, Bhuvi bowled a yorker andJadejasomewhat dug it out. As he came out of the crease, Bhuvi sensed it as an opportunity to dismiss him.Jadeja, however, came in the line of the throw.

This raised eyebrows as SRH wicketkeeperHeinrich Klaasen realised it was a chance to dismiss Jadeja. The umpires even referred it upstairs to check if it was deliberate from Jaddu, however,skipper Cummins withdrewtheappeal.

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Soon after the incident, former Indian cricketer Mohammed Kaif questioned Cummins. He asked if it was a tactical move to withdraw the appeal with Jadeja not timing it well, and also delay MS Dhoni's arrival at the crease. He even enquired if the Australianwould have done the same if it was against Virat Kohli at the T20 World Cup?

“Two questions to Pat Cummins on withdrawing the obstructing the field appeal against Jadeja. Was it a tactical call to let a struggling Jadeja be the crease and keep Dhoni indoors? Would he have done the same if it was Virat Kohli at World T20?” Kaif wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

Talking about the incident involving Jadeja, it didn't seem that hewas trying to get in the line of the throw, rather just looking to get out of the way. Hence, this may have prompted Cummins to withdraw the appeal. If it was also tactical, it kept Jadeja in the middle till the end of the CSK innings where he managed a 23-ball 31* but didn't hit any six in the last five overs. He faced 17of the final 30 balls and managed just three fours.

Speaking of the match, SRH opted to bowl first and CSK struggled for most parts on a sluggish surface despite Ajinkya Rahane's 35, which came in 30 balls, and Shivam Dube's 45 (24). Jadeja and Daryl Mitchell couldn't give them the late impetus as Chennai managed 165 for 5. In reply, Abhishek Sharma's 12-ball 37 propelled SRH to 78 for 1 in six overs. Travis Head's 24-ball 31 and Aiden Markram's 50 helped SRH close the chasein 18.1 overs, with Klaasen and Nitish Reddy remaining unbeaten.

SRH, thus, came back to winning ways whereas CSK have now lost two games on the trot after twin victories.