Virat Kohli received a massive lifeline as he survived an ‘obstructing the field’ dismissal during the Champions Trophy 2025 encounter against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Kohli decided to casually stop a throw from the Pakistan fielder with his hand during India’s innings after he saw he had comfortably crossed the crease at the non-striker’s end. Kohli was in no danger, so he did not give much thought before stopping the throw with his hand; however, legendary Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar was not okay with the incident. Gavaskar pointed out that he could have been out when some Pakistan players decided to appeal for obstructing the field, even giving advice to the star batter, not to perform such stunts again.
Here are some MCC rules on ‘Obstructing The Field’ dismissals:
37.1.1 Either batter is out Obstructing the field if, unless in the case of 37.2, and while the ball is in play, he/she has wilfully attempted to obstruct or distract the fielding side by any word or action. See also law 34 (Hit the ball twice).
37.1.2 The striker is out Obstructing the field if, except in the circumstances of 37.2, he/she wilfully strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat during the reception of the ball bowled. This will apply whether or not it is the first, second, or subsequent strike. The act of receiving the ball includes playing at the ball and striking the ball more than once in defence of his/her wicket.
37.1.3 This law shall apply whether or not no ball is called.
Virat scored a sparkling hundred as India made short work of the target of 242 runs from Pakistan and almost secured their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy.
