Manipur’s Lamabam Ajay Singh Dismissed Under Rare ‘Hit the Ball Twice’ Rule

It was an ordinary afternoon match in the domestic circuit—until something highly unusual unfolded at the crease. Manipur’s batter, Lamabam Ajay Singh, found himself at the center of an incident rarely seen even in long cricketing histories.

Facing a sharply turning delivery, Ajay defended the ball awkwardly. It dropped near his feet and began rolling back toward the stumps. Instinctively, he used his bat a second time to push it away from danger. But in cricket’s law book, that simple reflex has consequences. Unless it’s done purely to protect the wicket without attempting a run, a second strike on the ball is considered illegal.

The fielding side immediately appealed, and after a brief discussion, the umpire raised his finger. Ajay Singh was given out for “hitting the ball twice,” one of the rarest dismissals in the game. Players and spectators alike were left in disbelief—some confused, some amused, all aware they had just witnessed a dismissal that happens perhaps once in a generation.

Manipur regrouped, but Ajay’s unusual exit became the talking point of the match, a reminder that cricket’s laws can surprise even seasoned players.

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