The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow became the center of a heated cricket controversy as the 38th match on Sunday. IPL 2026 between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) delivered one of the most controversial moments of the season. The City of Nawabs expected a display of refined batting, but instead they witnessed a rare and polarizing dismissal that left the KKR dugout darkening and the cricketing world divided.
Angkrish Raghuvanshi makes a controversial blocking decision during the LSG vs KKR match
The drama unfolded in the final of the Powerplay. Fifth in the sixth ball, the young KKR talent Angkrish Raghuvanshi faced back delivery from Prince Yadav. Raghuvanshi punched the ball towards mid-on and instinctively attacked for a single. However, a sharp field forced a frantic ‘no’ from the non-striker, sending Raghuvanshi into a desperate retreat.
As the teenager reached the crease, he collided with a pinpoint shot. Muhammad Shami. Although the LSG players were a bit hesitant to apply at first, attention quickly went the batter’s way. In real time, Raghuvanshi was just trying to regain his position, but the third umpire’s intervention changed everything.
Rereading it in slow motion several times, the official noted that Raghuvanshi’s turning radius was unnaturally wide. Footage showed the batter looked back at the ball and subtly changed his line of travel to the edge of the cut lane. The third umpire ruled that the deflection 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 reeling KKR at 27/3.
We present the video:
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐃?! 😳
Mixed up. Long turn. Third umpire drama… & Raghuvanshi is given OUT for obstructing the pitch! 👀
Example of the 4th strike given for obstructing the pitch in the TATA IPL 🤯#TATAIPL 2026 ➡️ #LSGvKKR | NOW LIVE… pic.twitter.com/WRgr608Odb
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 26, 2026
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KKR stumbled badly after a high-profile collapse against LSG
The hurdle was the latest blow in a disastrous opening period for the visitors. After LSG captain Rishabh pants won the toss and elected to field, his bowlers took full advantage of the humid Lucknow evening. The collapse began when the second one ended Mohsen Khan eliminated the dangerous Tim Seifert three balls for a duck.
Veteran Ajinkya RahaneThe side lead, including a signature boundary, 6 balls, fast 10 off the shot tried to anchor. But his stay was cut short in the fourth round, when Aiden Markram was caught by the relentless Mohsin. The pressure for the middle order became unbearable after Raghuvanshi’s odd performance at the end of the fifth over. Rovman Powell Pant, who completed his opening spell with amazing figures of 3/14, fell shortly after the Powerplay caught by Mohsin.
As the Strategic Timeout reached the 9-over mark, Kolkata Knight Riders were gasping for air. 59/4.
while Cameron Green 160.00 strike rate showed some resistance and Rinku Singh (11) looked to rebuild, with early damage compounded by the Raghuvanshi controversy leaving KKR with a mountain to climb if they hope to reach their predicted score of 165.
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