EXPLAINED: Why Was Sunil Narine Given NOT-OUT Despite Bat Clipping Bail

Chaos erupted at Eden Gardens when KKR opener Sunil Narine was adjudged not out despite his bat clipping the bails in his follow-through against RCB on March 22 (Saturday). The incident happened in the eighth over of the innings when Narine had swung his bat off a wide delivery, clipping the bails.

RCB fielders - Virat Kohli and Tim David - both appealed against the decision, despite getting no inputs from the wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. However, the third umpire had deemed it not out, surprising the RCB fielders.

But why was Narine given not-out?

According to Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC)’s law (35.2), which talks about not out hit wicket, “ it occurs after the striker has completed any action in receiving the delivery, other than in 35.1.1.2 to 35.1.1.4.”

Even according to MCC’s law 35.1.1.3, “if no attempt is made to play the ball, in setting off for the first run, providing that in the opinion of the umpire, this is immediately after the striker has had the opportunity of playing the ball.”

Narine did not attempt to play a shot, and it was in his follow-through that the bat clipped the bail, which is why the umpires gave it not out.

Was it similar to Brendan Taylor’s hit wicket?

On that occasion back in 2021, Zimbabwe captain Brendan Taylor was adjudged out by the on-field umpires after the batter swung his bat in the follow-through to hit the stumps. 

While it seemed like the ball had already settled down, the decision drew a lot of flak. 

"Whether the ball is finally settled or not is a matter for the umpire alone to decide.”

"The ball shall be considered to be dead when it is clear to the bowler's end umpire that the fielding side and both batsmen at the wicket have ceased to regard it as in play."