IPL 2020: KKR’s Rahul Tripathi reprimanded for breaching the code of conduct

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Rahul Tripathi has been reprimanded for breaching the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) code of conduct in the game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday. It was the game which went down the wire to the super over and KKR managed to pip their opposition thanks to some splendid bowling from Lockie Ferguson playing his first match of the season.

As far as Rahul Tripathi is concerned, he scored 23 runs off 16 balls opening the innings for KKR along with Shubman Gill. The duo added 48 runs for the first wicket before Tripathi was cleaned up by T Natarajan in the sixth over of the innings. It has been a roller coaster ride for him in the line-up batting at 8 first and then opening the innings while also doing well.

Meanwhile, the KKR batsman admitted his offence and IPL also released an official statement on the matter. “Rahul Tripathi, the Kolkata Knight Riders batsman, has been reprimanded for breaching the Dream11 Indian Premier League’s (IPL) Code of Conduct during his team’s match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Abu Dhabi. Mr Tripathi admitted to the Level 1 offence 2.3 of the IPL’s Code of Conduct. For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding,” the IPL release read.

Level 1 Offence 2.3 of the IPL states, “Article 2.3 covers the use of words commonly known and understood to be offensive, obscene and/or profane (in any language) and which can be heard by the spectators and/or the viewing
public whether by way of the stump-microphone or otherwise. This conduct may include, for
example, swearing in frustration at one’s own play or fortune.”

KKR reach 10 points with a win
Talking about the match, after being invited to bat first, KKR got off to a decent start with Rahul Tripathi and Gill giving a good start to the team. However, the middle-order couldn’t get going and with Andre Russell failing continuously, it seemed as if KKR will end with a below-par total. But Dinesh Karthik’s 14-ball 29* and Morgan’s 34-run knock led them to 163 runs in their 20 overs.

SRH changed their batting order with Kane Williamson and Jonny Bairstow opening the innings. The move worked for them as the duo smashed 57 runs in the powerplay before Lockie Ferguson stunned the opposition with his bowling. In no time, SRH were reduced to 82/4 but David Warner, who came to bat at four, did well to stay in the middle till the end.

However, after doing all the hard work, he couldn’t score two runs off the last ball with the match going into the Super Over. In the end, Ferguson’s magic worked and KKR got two crucial points in their kitty.