Sajeevan Sajana replaces Richa Ghosh as concussion substitute in IND-W vs SA-W 1st T20I
Sajeevan Sajana replaced Richa Ghosh as a concussion substitute in the T20I opener between India Women and South Africa Women at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on Friday, July 5. Ghosh injured herself while attempting Tazmin Brits’ catch during South Africa innings. Uma Chetry served as a substitute wicketkeeper.
The incident took place in the 16th over of the Proteas innings. Pooja Vastrakar bowled short of a length ball and Brits tried to pull it onto the leg side but only managed a thick top edge that went straight up. Richa Ghosh called for it and moved forward but misjudged it completely before putting the dive. The ball hit her gloves before deflecting on her face.
The physio rushed to check on her and didn’t look satisfied. He immediately signaled for a change towards the dressing room before Richa walked off the field. India missed out on the services of the swashbuckling batter.
Sajana was named as a replacement during the innings break.
Sharing a statement on X, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) stated that Richa Ghosh is suffering from neck pain and dizziness due to injury:
"Sajeevan Sajana has been named the concussion substitute for Richa Ghosh, who is suffering from neck pain and dizziness due to an on-field injury. She has been sent for further scans & the BCCI Medical Team is monitoring her progress."
What does the concussion substitute rule say?
According to the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), Law 24.1 says:
“The umpires shall allow a substitute fielder if they are satisfied that a fielder has been injured or become ill and that this occurred during the match, or for any other wholly acceptable reason. In all other circumstances, a substitute is not allowed."
“A substitute shall not bowl or act as captain but may act as wicket-keeper only with the consent of the umpires,” it adds.
South Africa set a 190-run target for Richa Ghosh-less India Women in T20I series opener
A clinical batting display helped South Africa post 189/4 against India Women in the T20I opener. Tazmin Brits top-scored for the visitors, hitting 81 runs off 56 balls, comprising three sixes and 10 boundaries. Marizanne Kapp smashed 57 off 33 deliveries with the help of one six and eight boundaries.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt also chipped in with scores of 33 (22) and Chloe Tryon 12 (8), respectively. Pooja Vastrakar and Radha Yadav bagged two wickets apiece for the Women in Blue.
In response, the hosts were 87-2 after overs, with Dalayan Hemalatha and
Follow the IND-W vs SA-W 1st T20I live score and updates here.