Brain fade? Vipraj Nigam penalized twice for running on the pitch, India A anchors 10 runs
India all-rounder Vipraj Nigam endured a difficult outing in Dambulla on Monday as he tried to steer his side out of trouble against Sri Lanka A in the Talent Tri-Series. The Delhi Capitals mite was penalized twice for running into the protected area of the pitch in a remarkable lapse of concentration that surprised both his teammates and the television commentators. India A were pegged for a total of 10 runs, with five penalties being imposed on each occasion Vipraj ran into the field while batting alongside Suryansh Shedge.
India A vs Sri Lanka A Update
The disciplinary problems started earlier in the innings when Anukul Roy, batting at No. 8, was given an official warning for running in the protected area. Although the left-hander was dismissed in the 33rd over, the warning remained in place for the batting side. As a result, when Vipraj walked in at No. 9, any further India A batting infractions meant an automatic penalty of five runs.
The first penalty was awarded in the 35th over after Vipraj ran into the box. The second case came two shootouts later. Vipraj, who was trying to guide spinner Kugathas Mathulan towards the short third-man region and pinch a quick single, took off immediately but ran straight through mid-on before being sent back by his batting partner.
The on-field umpires remained alert and ensured that India A were punished for their carelessness in running between the wickets. The 10-run penalty proved a significant setback at a time when India A were already struggling to post a competitive total after losing their first wickets. Sri Lanka A’s spinners, led by the impressive Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, kept the visitors under constant pressure and stiffened in the contest.
WHY SHOULD THE DECKS NOT RUN IN THE PROTECTED AREA?
Batsmen are advised not to run in the middle of the pitch, known as the protected area, as this is the most important part of the wicket and the surface where the ball is most likely to land. Repeated running over with spiked shoes can create rough spots, cracks and marks that affect the bounce, pace and spin available to bowlers, potentially altering the balance of the match. In order to maintain the condition of the course, the batters are expected to run along it, not directly down the middle of it.
FINE EXPLAINED
In ODIs, if a batsman is deemed to have run into the protected area intentionally or carelessly, the umpire first issues a warning and informs the captain. Any subsequent offense by any batsman from the same team results in a penalty of five runs to be awarded to the fielding side. Umpires generally allow for situations in which the batter’s momentum after the strike carries them into the protected area, but avoidable violations are penalized to protect the field.
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
15 Jun 2026 13:06 IST