What Happened to Cricket Umpire in IND vs SA 5th T20I?

The India vs South Africa 5th T20I match is commencing at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on December 19. Both teams are looking in good form as they enter the contest with the motive of winning. Since India is leading 2-1, South Africa will look to win the match and level the series. At the toss, South Africa skipper Aiden Markram won and forced India to bat first.

During the ongoing game, a bizarre incident happened that turned heads at first, but soon it converted to moments of worry as the on-field umpire was injured.

How Was On-field Umpire Injured in IND vs SA 5th T20I?

In the 9th over, when Sanju Samson was batting, Donavan Ferreira bowled a full-pitcher around off delivery. The batter played it straight towards Ferreira, but he failed to catch the ball, and it hit the on-field umpire who was standing near the stumps. The ball hit the umpire's knee, and he went down. Then, South Africa and India's physios came out to help the umpire. They applied some spray to his knees, and he was back on his feet again. Later, Samson checked on him and tried to apologise for the incident.

They both had a small chat, and everything looked fine later. Samson was in solid form, slamming 37 off 22 balls, including four boundaries and two sixes. He used the opportunity perfectly by scoring runs from the start of the game. Even with the keeping, he was prompt and active, sending signals to the management. This innings was a sign that the captain and others will not be able to ignore him for a long time, as he is also one of the best wicketkeepers in India. He got very limited opportunities after Shubman Gill made way into the T20I side.

Hardik Pandya's Six Hit Cameraman in 5th T20I Game

Another similar incident took place in the 13th over when Hardik Pandya walked into the crease and smashed a six on the very first delivery. It was a flat hit in the gap as the ball went across the boundary. But it hit the cameraman's shoulder who was standing at the boundary line with his camera. He was near the Indian team's dugout, and Gautam Gambhir gave an animated reaction to the incident. Later, the cameraman was given an ice pack after he was hit by the ball.

India's star all-rounder Hardik Pandya announced his comeback into the team with some outstanding performances in the series. Even in the recently concluded 5th T20I, Hardik scored 63 off 25 balls, including five boundaries and sixes. It was because of his contributions that India managed to score 232 runs in the first innings and went on to win the match, as well as the series. The Indian team looks in form and ready for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7. The team combinations are still under scrutiny as some of the players haven't been performing well. Hence, it will be interesting to see the squads for the New Zealand series, as well as the World Cup.