In the exhilarating Indian Premier League (IPL), each season brings with it moments of extraordinary brilliance and breathtaking performances. It is during these enthralling encounters that one team often manages to conjure up the perfect storm, overpowering their opponents with sheer dominance and showcasing their ability to work miracles for a resounding victory. In a recent match, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) experienced such a remarkable evening in Rajasthan, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament.
On a blustery day at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium, RCB found themselves in a highly advantageous position against the Rajasthan Royals. The hosts were struggling at a mere 59/8 after 10 overs while chasing a target of 172 runs. The early damage inflicted upon the Royals was courtesy of the clinical bowling display by the likes of Wayne Parnell and Michael Bracewell. However, it was the contribution of a young talent, Anuj Rawat, that not only tilted the scales firmly in favor of Bangalore but also etched his name in the annals of the season’s highlight reel.
In a pivotal moment during the match, Shimron Hetmyer stood poised at the crease, facing the crafty leg-spinner Karn Sharma. At the opposite end stood the seasoned campaigner Ravichandran Ashwin, who had earned his reputation as a highly astute cricketer over the years. As the over progressed, the tension in the stadium reached a crescendo. On the final delivery of the eighth over, Hetmyer deftly guided the ball towards deep point, setting off for a run. Ashwin, recognizing the opportunity to convert it into a potential second run, responded swiftly and began charging towards the opposite end.
However, Hetmyer had second thoughts about the run and immediately sent Ashwin back. In a display of remarkable agility and presence of mind, Ashwin executed a rapid U-turn, desperately attempting to regain his crease before the fielder’s throw reached the stumps. In this flurry of motion and anticipation, Anuj Rawat, the wicketkeeper, found himself in a decisive position to influence the outcome of the run-out.
Aware of the situation and the need for a game-changing intervention, Rawat, displaying a touch of brilliance reminiscent of the legendary MS Dhoni, employed a cunning and audacious trick. With his back turned towards the fielder, he positioned himself a considerable distance away from the stumps. This tactical move was designed to deceive his compatriot, Ashwin, by creating an illusion of vulnerability and inviting him to make a potentially costly mistake.
As the throw from Mohammad Siraj hurtled towards Rawat, he coolly received the ball without even glancing at the stumps. Seizing the perfect moment, Rawat deftly flicked the Kookaburra cricket ball under his legs, just as Ashwin’s bat lunged desperately towards the crease. The audacity of Rawat’s maneuver was astonishing, as he managed to dislodge the bails while maintaining an air of nonchalance.
While Ashwin, exuding an air of confidence, appeared to have made his ground comfortably, he stood his ground without any hint of alarm. The crowd, Hetmyer, and even Ashwin himself anticipated a reprieve, assuming his bat had crossed the crease before the bails were disturbed. However, much to their collective shock and disbelief, the replays revealed that Ashwin’s bat had fallen agonizingly short of its intended destination. Instead of crossing the crease entirely, it had only managed to reach the line, failing to go beyond it before the bails were dramatically lit up.
As the realization dawned upon Ashwin and Hetmyer that the remarkable deception had been executed
Duck tales
Diamond Duck 💎🦆#Ashwin #RRvsRCB pic.twitter.com/kxZinFBtXV
— 𝐒𝐫𝐢𝐤𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐒𝐏𝐊™🚩 (@Srikanth_OG) May 14, 2023
Today's hero for me – Anuj Rawat with bat and Wk. #IPL2023 #RCBvsRRpic.twitter.com/d4nPamRxFM
— Mayur (@133_AT_Hobart) May 14, 2023
One of the best glove work in IPL history – Anuj Rawat.pic.twitter.com/hW7FpspcCw
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 14, 2023
