Virat Kohli Survives ‘Obstructing the Field’ Dismissal, Leaves Sunil Gavaskar Fuming
Summary: Virat Kohli narrowly avoided an ‘obstructing the field’ dismissal against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025, drawing criticism from Sunil Gavaskar. Despite the controversy, he went on to score a match-winning century, leading India to a comfortable victory.
Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli found himself at the center of a major controversy during India’s Champions Trophy 2025 clash against Pakistan in Dubai. Kohli narrowly escaped an ‘obstructing the field’ dismissal after stopping a throw with his hand—a move that could have cost him his wicket had Pakistan chosen to appeal.
Kohli’s Unintentional Yet Risky Act
During India’s innings, Kohli had already crossed the crease safely at the non-striker’s end when he casually stopped a throw from a Pakistani fielder with his hand. While the act appeared instinctive rather than deliberate, it still violated the spirit of the game and left legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar visibly frustrated.
Gavaskar, who was on commentary, pointed out that Kohli could have been ruled out under Law 37 of the MCC rulebook had the opposition appealed. He strongly advised Kohli against attempting such moves in the future, emphasizing that even unintentional actions can lead to dismissals in professional cricket.
Understanding the ‘Obstructing the Field’ Rule
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws, a batter can be given out for obstructing the field if:
- Law 37.1.1: The batter willfully attempts to obstruct or distract the fielding side by word or action.
- Law 37.1.2: The striker strikes the ball with a hand not holding the bat while playing a delivery, except under specific defensive circumstances.
- Law 37.1.3: This law applies even if a No Ball is called.
Had Pakistan’s fielders appealed, the umpires might have been forced to make a tough decision that could have changed the course of the match.
Kohli’s Century Steals the Show
Despite the controversy, Virat Kohli bounced back in style, smashing an unbeaten century (100 off 111 balls)* to guide India to a dominant six-wicket victory over Pakistan. With this win, India all but confirmed their spot in the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
India’s Commanding Chase Against Pakistan
Chasing 242, India comfortably crossed the finish line in 42.3 overs, thanks to:
✅ Virat Kohli – 100 (111 balls)*
✅ Shubman Gill – 46 (52 balls)
✅ Shreyas Iyer – 56 (67 balls)
Earlier, Pakistan managed just 241 runs as Kuldeep Yadav (3/40) and Hardik Pandya (2/31) dismantled their batting lineup.
India’s Road to the Semifinals
With two consecutive wins, India now sits comfortably at the top of the table, inching closer to a spot in the Champions Trophy semifinals. Meanwhile, Pakistan, with two losses in two games, faces an uphill battle to stay in contention.
While Kohli’s instinctive act may have sparked debate, his match-winning century proved yet again why he remains one of the greatest batters of all time.
