Hit-wicket dismissals are a rare and unexpected occurrence in cricket, happening when a player’s bat or body makes contact with the stumps, dislodging the bails. This unusual mode of dismissal has been seen in several high-profile matches, adding an element of surprise and intrigue to the game.
Jos Butler
Jos Buttler, England’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, is celebrated for his explosive batting skills, particularly in white-ball cricket. However, these aggressive instincts sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes, even in the longer format.
In a Test match against Australia at Adelaide, Buttler, batting on 26 after a remarkable 258 minutes at the crease, faced a rare and unfortunate hit-wicket dismissal. Showcasing great form and aggressive intent, he lost his balance during a shot, accidentally knocking over his stumps. This unusual dismissal became a defining moment of the match and a highlight for cricket enthusiasts
Angelo Mathews
Angelo Mathews, one of Sri Lanka’s finest and most aggressive batters, is renowned for his brilliance in both white-ball and Test cricket. In February, during a Test match against Afghanistan, Mathews was in sublime form, nearing a milestone of 150 runs.
However, after a marathon knock of 141 runs spanning 331 minutes, Mathews faced an unusual hit-wicket dismissal. While displaying exceptional skill and determination, he lost his balance and accidentally dislodged the bails, bringing an unfortunate end to his innings. This rare event was a significant moment in the match, marking a bittersweet end to an otherwise remarkable performance.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli, one of the most celebrated cricketers globally, is renowned for his unparalleled consistency and technique across all formats. A symbol of passion and grit, Kohli has achieved numerous records throughout his illustrious career.
However, in an unexpected moment, Kohli faced a rare hit-wicket dismissal against Chris Jordan. Attempting to play a short-pitched delivery, he moved too far back in the crease and accidentally hit his stumps. The surprising dismissal left both Kohli and his fans stunned, marking a rare blip in the career of the cricketing icon.
Peter Handscomb
Peter Handscomb, a talented Australian cricketer, is no stranger to the rare hit-wicket mode of dismissal. During the third Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Handscomb was in sublime form, scoring a commendable 110.
However, his innings ended in disappointment when his bat accidentally struck the stumps, dislodging the bails. The umpire declared him out, marking another instance of Handscomb’s association with this unusual dismissal, despite his otherwise remarkable performance.
Sai Sudharsan
Young Gujarat Titans batter Sai Sudharsan faced an unusual hit-wicket dismissal in 2022 against Mumbai Indians. Moving too far back in the crease cost him his wicket, marking a rare moment in his promising IPL journey.
Jonny Bairstow
English batter Jonny Bairstow, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, faced two rare hit-wicket dismissals in the IPL. In 2019, against Punjab Kings, he dislodged the bails while playing a shot off spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Again in 2021, he repeated this unusual dismissal against Mumbai Indians’ Krunal Pandya, marking two rare moments in his IPL career.
Hardik Pandya
India’s star allrounder Hardik Pandya faced a rare hit-wicket dismissal in IPL 2020 during a match against KKR. Playing an aggressive knock of 15 off 8 balls, Pandya attempted to pull a short ball from Harry Gurney but accidentally struck the stumps with his leg, leading to an unusual end to his innings and sparking widespread discussion.
Riyan Parag
Riyan Parag, the young allrounder for Rajasthan Royals, was dismissed by hit-wicket in IPL 2021 during a match against Kolkata Knight Riders. In the 18th over, batting on 8 off 9 balls, Parag attempted to pull a short delivery from Andre Russell but moved too far back in the crease. His bat brushed the stumps, leading to a rare and notable hit-wicket dismissal, a rare occurrence in cricket history.
Sheldon Jackson
Sheldon Jackson, the wicketkeeper-batter for Kolkata Knight Riders, was dismissed by hit-wicket in IPL 2022 during a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the 13th over, Jackson, on 14 off 14 balls, attempted a shot against RCB’s spinner Wanindu Hasaranga. His back foot made contact with the stumps, dislodging the bails and leading to his rare dismissal. The incident became a hot topic that night, drawing significant attention.
David Warner
David Warner, one of Australia’s top batters, was dismissed by hit-wicket in IPL 2016 during a match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Batting on 3 off 5 balls, Warner played a shot against RCB’s bowler Shane Harwood. His back foot made contact with the stumps, dislodging the bails and leading to his rare hit-wicket dismissal.