A cricket umpire was taken to an intensive care unit after being struck on the face by a powerful shot during a Delhi Premier League match at New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium.
The incident involving BCCI-listed umpire Dharmesh Bhardwaj occurred during the 18th over of the match between East Delhi Riders and New Delhi Tigers. Riders bowler Ashish Meena delivered the ball, which Tigers batter Lakshay Thareja drove straight back towards the bowler. The shot travelled rapidly and struck Bhardwaj on one side of his face.
Thareja appeared visibly shocked and distressed immediately after the incident, with the unexpected blow bringing the match to a halt as attention turned to the injured official.
According to reports, Bhardwaj was subsequently taken to an intensive care unit for medical observation. Details of the extent of his facial injury have not been disclosed in the reports available. The incident is particularly notable because Bhardwaj had already sustained a shoulder injury in an earlier match of the same tournament.
Bhardwaj is a listed Indian cricket umpire and has previously officiated in the Delhi Premier League. The latest incident once again highlights the risks faced by officials positioned close to the action, particularly when batters play powerful straight drives. Unlike deliveries directed towards fielders, a firmly struck shot back down the pitch can reach the umpire within a fraction of a second, leaving little time to react.
The match itself produced a convincing result for East Delhi Riders. Batting first, they posted 192 for seven from their allotted 20 overs, establishing a demanding target of 193 for New Delhi Tigers.
The Riders made an excellent start through their opening partnership. Mehra and Rana added 62 runs in just 5.4 overs, giving their side early momentum. Mehra scored 35 from 21 deliveries, while Rana contributed 33 from 22 balls.
The middle order then maintained the scoring rate. Mayank Rawat struck 40 from 23 balls, while Suryansh Raina added 33 from 21 deliveries. Their contributions helped East Delhi Riders reach 192 despite losing seven wickets during the innings.
New Delhi Tigers began their chase positively but struggled to maintain that momentum. Wickets started falling at regular intervals, and by 10.2 overs they had slipped to 94 for four.
The situation continued to deteriorate as the chase progressed. The Tigers were eventually bowled out for 156, leaving East Delhi Riders with a 36-run victory.
Ashish Meena was among the key performers with the ball. He finished with three wickets from his four overs, conceding 32 runs. His contribution helped the Riders defend their sizeable total and complete a comfortable win.
The Arun Jaitley Stadium remains an important cricket venue in the Indian capital, hosting domestic fixtures as well as international cricket. An international fixture between India and Afghanistan is also scheduled to be played at the venue.
For the Delhi Premier League, however, the immediate concern following this match was the condition of umpire Dharmesh Bhardwaj after the unexpected blow. His decision to remain under medical observation underlines the potential danger faced by match officials when powerful shots are struck from close range.