There are funny run-outs and then there’s what happened with Priyansh Arya. The Delhi lad’s promising innings for India A came to an unfortunate end after a bizarre run-out involving captain Ruturaj Gaikwad during the tri-series opener against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla on Tuesday.
With India A under pressure following the early dismissals of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Prabhsimran Singh, Arya and Gaikwad were beginning to rebuild the innings. The pair looked comfortable before a mix-up in the 13th over produced one of the strangest dismissals seen in recent times.
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The incident unfolded when Gaikwad pushed the ball towards long-off and immediately called for a second run. Arya initially responded but was reluctant midway through the run. By the time the two batters reacted, both found themselves stranded at the striker’s end.
Watch: Priyansh Arya’s funny run-out
With only one batter allowed to occupy the crease, a run-out became inevitable. Gaikwad managed to ground his bat first, leaving Arya scrambling to make it back. However, replays revealed a twist. As Arya stretched desperately towards the crease, the bat he was dragging behind appeared to get caught under the foot of Sri Lanka A wicketkeeper Niroshan Dickwella.
The obstruction prevented the bat from sliding over the line immediately, allowing the fielding side enough time to complete the dismissal. The decision was referred to the third umpire, who ruled that Gaikwad had made his ground first, confirming Arya’s dismissal.
Fans on social media, argued that Arya would likely have reached the crease ahead of Gaikwad had his bat not been blocked by Dickwella’s shoe. Despite the debate, the dismissal stood. Another reason to criticise Arya could be that Gaikwad completed two runs. Arya just didn’t try. He could’ve completed the run if he were quick enough in the first run. The throw also came towards Gaikwad’s end.
It was a frustrating end for Arya, who had looked in good touch during his stay at the crease. The left-hander scored 32 off 32 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six while helping India recover after a shaky start.
Earlier, much of the attention had been on teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, but the 15-year-old could manage only 14 runs before falling to pacer Mohammed Shiraz. Prabhsimran Singh also departed cheaply for 2, leaving India A in trouble before Arya and Gaikwad attempted to steady the innings.
