WATCH: Extraordinary Rebound Catch Helps Kerala Cricket History in Ranji Trophy

It was one of the most bizarre catches that got Kerala a shot at history as they took a first-innings lead of just two runs in their Ranji Trophy 2024-25 semi-final clash against Gujarat on February 21 (Friday) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat. 

Salman Nizar, who was fielding at forward short leg, got hit on his helmet from an Arzan Nagwaswalla drive on a fuller length delivery from Aditya Sarwate. The ball rebounded and was caught by Sachin Baby at slip. Gujarat were bowled out for 455, giving Kerala a historic two-run first-innings lead. 

Also Read: Kerala Create History, Enter First-Ever Ranji Final After 2-Run First Innings Lead

Thanks to that lead, Kerala, if the match ends in a draw, will reach their first ever Ranji Trophy final in history. The catch was bizarre in more than one way. Firstly, Gujarat had the last pair at the crease and needed 11 runs to level the scores. The pair even scored 9 off 62 balls and were short of just two from making sure that Gujarat reached their third Ranji Trophy final.

Yes, even if the match ended with both teams on the same first innings score, Gujarat would have gone through as they had more points at the league stage. Even after knowing that, Nagwaswalla played the drive, the ball, instead of going over short leg, hit his helmet and of all places, landed right in the hands of Baby at slip. 

There was some confusion in the official broadcast on whether it was a legal catch and the on-field umpires even consulted the third umpire before giving it out. 

Here are the laws of cricket, set by the Marylebone Cricket Club regarding fair catches in cricket. 

33.2.2 Furthermore, a catch will be fair if any of the following conditions apply.

33.2.2.1 The ball is held in the hand or hands of a fielder, even if the hand holding the ball is touching the ground, or is hugged to the body, or lodges in the external protective equipment worn by a fielder, or lodges accidentally in a fielder’s clothing.

33.2.2.3 A fielder catches the ball after it has touched the wicket, an umpire, another fielder, a runner or the other batter.