The fifth T20I between India and South Africa saw a series of injury scares involving players, officials and broadcast crew, adding to an already dramatic contest.
South Africa wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock suffered multiple blows to his fingers while keeping to Lungi Ngidi in the early overs. He was first struck on the very first ball of the match when extra bounce beat Sanju Samson’s bat, and later took another hit after an off-pace delivery to Abhishek Sharma bounced awkwardly in front of him. De Kock was visibly in pain on both occasions and required on-field medical attention.
The injury concerns extended beyond the players when on-field umpire Rohan Pandit was hit on the knee during India’s innings. Sanju Samson drilled a full delivery straight back at the bowler, who failed to hold the return catch, with the ball deflecting onto the umpire. Pandit was seen wriggling in pain and received treatment from both teams’ physios before play resumed.
Later in the innings, a cameraman was also injured after being struck by a flat six hit by Hardik Pandya off Corbin Bosch. The cameraman, who was focused on the Indian dugout and unaware of the incoming ball, was hit flush on the left arm under the shoulder. Medical staff immediately applied an ice pack as the impact area turned red.
Despite the multiple injury scares, play continued after brief stoppages, with all affected individuals receiving prompt medical attention. The incidents highlighted the unpredictable and high-impact nature of modern T20 cricket, particularly during power-hitting phases.
