Duleep Trophy 2022: Venkatesh Iyer declared 'fine' after getting hit on neck during semi-final game

Venkatesh Iyer, who got hit on the neck from Chintan Gaja's throw earlier on Friday (September 16), is reported fine now. Venkatesh left the field due to pain but returned to resume his batting again. After getting out, he was sent to hospital for a further checkup and now has rejoined the squad at the team's hotel.

The 27-year-old all-rounder, batting for Central Zone in the ongoing 2022 Duleep Trophy semi-final clash against West Zone, collapsed on the pitch after getting hit on the neck by a throw from bowler Chintan Gaja on a follow-through. He was attended to by an on-duty doctor immediately and was taken to the sidelines. Venkatesh came back to the pitch to continue his innings but was caught out on 14 runs. 

It was a relief that there was no concussion: TNCA official

Venkatesh was then taken to the Kauvery hospital for necessary scans and he was discharged later. It was a big relief for everyone when he came back to the pitch to bat again. 

"He is fine and back in the team hotel. I have spoken to him and he looks quite ok now. It was a relief that there was no concussion. He did not feel dizzy and he looked fine. But he went off the field and the doctors on duty attended to him. He came back to bat again. After he got out, he was taken to the Kauvery Hospital in the city and all things appeared normal. He has sounded fine," an official of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) told Cricbuzz.

"I was hit below my ear. It was a shock initially but I am absolutely fine. I don't know (if i will be able to play in the second innings), I have been kept under 24-hour observation. I will have to see how things go," Iyer said.

Kolkata Knight Riders' all-rounder had a poor outing in the Indian Premier League 2022 season with only 182 runs in 12 matches with no wicket. He has also lost his place in the national team having last played against Sri Lanka on February 27. He scored only 14 runs in the first innings against West Zone and is unlikely to feature in the second innings.