While the incident stirred debate among fans and analysts, it did little to overshadow RCB’s dominant performance on the field
Pic: Screengrab/X
Royal Challengers Bengaluru spinner Suyash Sharma, fielding at short leg during Thursday's IPL 2025 clash against Rajasthan Royals, unintentionally sparked a wave of controversy after he picked up the ball using his cap following the conclusion of the ninth over.
According to Article 28.2.1.2 of the IPL Match Playing Conditions, “It is deemed illegal when a fielder extends his/her clothing and uses it to field the ball. The ball shall be immediately declared dead after a case of illegal fielding, and the bowling team will bear a five-run penalty.” The act, though seemingly harmless, falls under the definition of illegal fielding.
Suyash sharma picking the ball with cap😂#RCBvRR pic.twitter.com/kMzyS57W3p
— Meme Therapy (@Meme_Therapy7) April 24, 2025
The moment caused a brief stoppage in play as the video umpires reviewed the footage to determine whether a penalty should be imposed. However, Suyash and RCB managed to escape any punishment.
As clarified, the ball had already been declared dead, and one of the two on-field umpires had called the end of the over before the player retrieved the ball with his cap. This sequence of events meant no breach of the playing conditions had officially occurred, sparing RCB a potential five-run penalty.
While the incident stirred debate among fans and analysts, it did little to overshadow RCB’s dominant performance on the field. The team secured their first win at home in four games, climbing to the third position on the IPL 2025 points table. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood delivered a match-winning spell at the death, taking four wickets and conceding just seven runs in his final two overs. He finished with impressive figures of 4-0-33-4, turning the tide in RCB's favour.
Earlier in the match, Virat Kohli played a key role at the top of the order, crafting a fluent 70 off 42 deliveries. He partnered with Devdutt Padikkal, who smashed 50 off 27 balls, to build a 95-run stand for the second wicket. Their efforts set the foundation for RCB’s imposing total of 205 for five.
In response, Rajasthan Royals appeared to be in control at 110 for two, but RCB’s bowlers clawed their way back, ultimately restricting the visitors to 194 for nine. Hazlewood’s precision and control at the death proved decisive, sealing RCB’s sixth win in nine matches.
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