IPL 2026 [WATCH]: Obstruction of the field drama brings Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s innings to an end during LSG vs KKR showdown

The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow became the center of a heated cricketing debate on Sunday, as the 38th Match of IPL 2026 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered one of the season’s most controversial moments. While the ‘City of Nawabs’ expected a display of elegant stroke-play, they instead witnessed a rare and polarizing dismissal that left the KKR dugout fuming and the cricketing world divided.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi falls to contentious obstruction decision during LSG vs KKR match

The drama unfolded in the final over of the Powerplay. On the sixth ball of the fifth over, young KKR talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi faced a back-of-a-length delivery from Prince Yadav. Raghuvanshi punched the ball toward mid-on and instinctively charged for a single. However, a sharp piece of fielding forced a frantic no from the non-striker, sending Raghuvanshi into a desperate retreat.

As the youngster sprawled back toward his crease, he collided with a pinpoint throw from Mohammed Shami. While LSG players initially appealed with a hint of hesitation, the focus quickly shifted to the batter’s path. In real-time, it appeared Raghuvanshi was merely trying to regain his ground, but the third umpire’s intervention changed everything.

Upon multiple slow-motion replays, the official noted that Raghuvanshi’s turning radius was unnaturally wide. The footage suggested that the batter looked back at the ball and subtly shifted his line of travel, ending up outside the cut strip. The third umpire ruled that this deviation was a deliberate attempt to obstruct the fielder’s throw. Despite Raghuvanshi’s visible frustration and heated protests, the Out signal flashed on the big screen, sending him back for 9 (8b, 1×4) and leaving KKR reeling at 27/3.

Here’s the video:

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃?! 😳

Mix-up. Long turn. Third umpire drama… & Raghuvanshi is given OUT for obstructing the field! 👀

Just the 4️⃣th instance of a batter being given out for obstructing the field in TATA IPL 🤯#TATAIPL 2026 ➡️ #LSGvKKR | LIVE NOW… pic.twitter.com/WRgr608Odb

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 26, 2026

KKR stumble badly following top-order collapse against LSG

The obstruction dismissal was the final blow in a disastrous opening period for the visitors. After LSG skipper Rishabh Pant won the toss and elected to field, his bowlers exploited the humid Lucknow evening to perfection. The collapse began in the second over when Mohsin Khan removed the dangerous Tim Seifert for a three-ball duck.

The veteran Ajinkya Rahane, leading the side, tried to anchor the innings with a quick 10 off 6 balls, including a signature boundary. However, his stay was cut short in the fourth over, caught by Aiden Markram off the relentless Mohsin. Following Raghuvanshi’s bizarre exit at the end of the fifth, the pressure became unbearable for the middle order. Rovman Powell fell shortly after the Powerplay, caught by Pant off Mohsin, who finished his opening spell with staggering figures of 3/14.

By the time the Strategic Timeout was called at the 9-over mark, Kolkata Knight Riders were gasping for air at 59/4.

While Cameron Green provided some resistance with a strike rate of 160.00, and Rinku Singh (11) looked to rebuild, the early damage compounded by the Raghuvanshi controversy has left KKR with a mountain to climb if they hope to reach their projected score of 165.