Pakistan batter Tayyab Tahir has dismissed speculation that Rachin Ravindra was struck by the ball due to an issue with the floodlights during the first match of the ODI tri-nation series between Pakistan and New Zealand last week in Lahore.
The unfortunate injury took place in the 38th over of the second innings when Rachin attempted to take a catch off Michael Bracewell. He seemingly lost sight of the ball and suffered a heavy blow to his face, causing him to start bleeding and forcing him to leave the field.
The incident sparked debate among fans and former cricketers. While some blamed the floodlights for the mishap, others downplayed the speculation.
Tayyab dismissed the claims, stating that the floodlights were not responsible for Rachin’s injury.
“I don’t think there was an issue with the lights. Ravindra didn’t get struck by the ball because of the lights. The ball wasn’t that high in the air,” Tayyab said during a press conference in Karachi.
Following the incident, New Zealand Cricket released a statement confirming the nature of Rachin’s injury.
“Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball attempting a catch in the 38th over.”
“He sustained a laceration to the forehead, which has been addressed and treated at the ground but is otherwise well. He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes,” the statement added.
Due to the injury, Rachin was ruled out of New Zealand’s second match of the tri-series against South Africa on Monday. In his absence, Devon Conway was called in as a replacement and made the most of the opportunity, scoring a brilliant 97-run knock to guide the Blackcaps to a 6-wicket victory.