A tense and unexpected incident paused the fifth T20 International between India and South Africa in Bengaluru when on-field umpire Rohan Pandit was struck by a fiercely hit ball from Indian batsman Sanju Samson. The worrying moment caused immediate concern among players and spectators, leading to a brief halt in play.
The Moment of Impact: A Powerful Shot Finds Its Target
The event unfolded during the ninth over of India's innings. On the fourth ball of the over, bowled by South Africa's Donovan Ferreira, Sanju Samson, who was in excellent touch, stepped back and hammered a full delivery straight down the ground. The ball rocketed back towards the bowler.
Ferreira attempted a return catch, but the sheer pace of the shot saw it burst through his hands. The ball then deflected sharply and directly onto the right knee of umpire Rohan Pandit, who was standing behind the bowler's end. The impact was severe, leaving Pandit in visible pain and forcing him to immediately walk away from his position before going down on the field.
Quick Response and Play Resumes
Medical staff rushed onto the field to attend to the injured umpire as the ball trickled away towards long-on. Players from both teams, showing sportsmanship, gathered around to check on his condition. Play was paused briefly to assess the situation and ensure Pandit was fit to continue his duties.
Despite the clear agony on his face initially, the magic spray provided quick relief. Demonstrating professionalism, Rohan Pandit resumed his position after the treatment, allowing the match to continue without further delay.
Match Context: India in Commanding Position
The incident occurred during a dominant Indian batting performance. India was cruising at 95 for 1 in just 8.4 overs, scoring at a blistering rate of nearly 11 runs per over. They had capitalized fully on the Powerplay, racing to 67 runs in the first six overs.
Sanju Samson was unbeaten on 36 off just 20 balls, having struck four boundaries and two sixes. Tilak Varma was also batting fluently on 21 off 11 deliveries. The only wicket to fall was Abhishek Sharma, dismissed for a quickfire 34 off 21 balls by Corbin Bosch.
Coming into this decisive match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, India already led the five-match series 2-1 and looked determined to seal the series victory. While the on-field action was intense, the unfortunate injury to umpire Pandit became an unexpected talking point of the evening, highlighting the inherent risks officials face in the modern, high-paced game of cricket.
